Finstown traffic consultation reminder

The online consultation into potential future options for reducing traffic speeds and improving pedestrian safety in Finstown closes on Monday (21 March) at 9am.

More than 70 responses have already been received, and 500 visits to the consultation website which aims to gather feedback on seven options for addressing traffic issues in the village and to identify any other concerns of residents.

Possible options presented on the website for public feedback include:

• 40 mph buffers on A965, Old Finstown Road and Heddle Road.
• Extend the variable speed limit (20mph at school opening and closing times) to cover sections of the A965.
• Review existing - and incorporate new - village gateways.
• Install part-time or permanent speed indication devices.
• Upgrade existing crossing points.
• Install new uncontrolled crossings.
• Other traffic calming measures such as speed cushions and reducing carriageway widths in favour of wider footpaths.

Feedback from the online consultation will be reported to the Council’s Roads Services team along with detailed traffic data.

A report by officers on the findings of the wider traffic management study will be presented to Councillors in the summer, with any specific options subject to further consultation before being taken forward.

Kenny Roy, OIC Roads Support Manager, said: “We are keen to see what the community thinks of the various options presented on the website.

“The more feedback we can get at this early stage, the better – it will help determine what feasible measures with good community backing there may be for alleviating the concerns previously expressed to us.”

The consultation closes on Monday, 21 March at 9am and is available at https://finstowntrafficstudy.co.uk/

Paper copies are available on request by emailing developmentandinfrastructure@orkney.gov.uk or calling 01856 87 35 35 ext 2362.