The following road restrictions will potentially be imposed each Monday, Wednesday or Friday between Monday 10th August – Sunday 20th September.
While there will only be one launch, there may be a number of launch attempts during that period, with a public announcement at 2 p.m. the day before any launch attempt.
- On any given launch event day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday), waiting restrictions (no parking) will be put in place from 8 a.m. across the road network beyond Brookpoint which serves as access to Haroldswick, Norwick, and Skaw. This is to prevent access routes in the area being blocked or restricted for essential traffic and the emergency services.
- There will also be a one-way system in place around the Beach Road area of Haroldswick from 8 a.m. to prevent potential congestion on narrow roads with limited passing opportunities.
- All access to the North Unst Area will be through the Stove Crossroads (White Brig).
- The road links from Northdale and Norwick directly leading to and within the launch exclusion zone will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. This means there will no unauthorised access through Holsen’s Road to Lamba Ness or Skaw on a launch event day.
- From noon on a launch event day, roads beyond Haroldswick leading to Clibberswick, Valsgarth, Saxavord, Norwick etc. will be closed to unauthorised traffic.
- Access to properties beyond the Feall crossroads (North Unst public hall) and Booth Junction (Beach Road, Haroldswick) will be by prior arrangement, through Shetland Space Centre
- Roads providing access to the northwest of Brookpoint serving Quoys, Burrafirth, and Hermaness will not be affected.
- Arrangements are in place to ensure that access for livestock welfare is maintained as far as is possible and access for rental/ holiday let properties will be addressed as part of the residential access process.
- Restrictions will be removed in stages following a successful launch, or a postponement/cancellation decision, or by midnight at the end of the launch event day.
- For visitors wishing to view the rocket launch event, a dedicated public viewing area has been established above Norwick. This area can only be accessed by using a dedicated Park & Ride Shuttle Service. For anyone with a disability requiring to use their own adapted vehicle for transport there are a limited number of spaces available.
- All access to the viewing area is by prior arrangement with Shetland Space Centre. Details are available at https://saxavord.com/how-to-view-test-flights/
To register for access authorisation to a residential or business premises, or for livestock welfare purposes, please contact Shetland Space Centre on 01957 711711 or 07902 742574.
All visitors travelling to and from Unst on the interisland ferry service should book their travel in advance – contact the Ulsta Ferry Booking Office on 01595 745804 or at ferrybooking@shetland.gov.uk seven days a week between 7.45 a.m. - 6 p.m. Bookings can also be made online at https://ferry.shetland.gov.uk
For any queries on these roads restrictions please contact the Shetland Islands Council’s Roads Service on 01595 744866 or at roads@shetland.gov.uk during normal office hours Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
More information is available here - https://www.shetland.gov.uk/downloads/download/2896/space-port-centre-launch-event