Hearing on temporary changes to the Motor Traffic Regulations
The Governor submits for consultation a proposal for a temporary amendment to Section 8 of the regulation on motor traffic in Svalbard. The proposed changes include traffic on the sea ice in the areas of Billefjorden, Tempelfjorden and Dicksonfjorden. The hearing deadline is 23 February.
Published 2/7/2024
Snowmobiling in a snowmobile-free area
Only permanent residents of Svalbard are allowed to drive snowmobiles in the snowmobile-free area until 1 March. Visitors can be passengers but cannot drive their own scooter in the area.
Published 2/4/2024
Fire under control
The fire service now has control of the fire in road 232 and on Sunday evening some of the evacuees can move back.
Published 2/4/2024
80 people evacuated from road 232
The fire service is still working to extinguish the fire.
Published 2/4/2024
Apartment fire
There is a fire in an apartment building in road 232 in Longyearbyen. The fire brigade is working to extinguish the fire.
Published 1/16/2024
Foreign shipping company fined NOK 100,000
A foreign shipping company has been fined NOK 100,000 for failing to notify the Governor of planned tours within the deadline, as well as a fine for violating the traffic ban in the Bjørnøya nature reserve. The fine has been approved.
Published 1/15/2024
Helicopter inspection of glaciers
This autumn, the Governor flew by helicopter over glacier areas where there is a lot of traffic, especially in winter.
Published 1/12/2024
Apply digitally for a passenger carrying vehicle driver’s licence
The Governor of Svalbard is introducing a digital application form for passenger carrying vehicle driver’s licence.
Published 12/29/2023
The Svalbard Environment Act on fuel requirements for motor transport at sea
From 1 January 2024, it is no longer legal for vessels traveling with bulk cargo to or from Longyearbyen and Barentsburg to use or have on board petroleum-based fuel with a higher viscosity, density or solidification point than permitted for marine gas oil.
Published 12/22/2023
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are entering the Christmas season and yesterday's polar bear tracks near the town are a reminder that there may be polar bears in the area, so everyone going out on a trip during Christmas must take precautions.