Aberdeen bus gates made permanent

Aberdeen's controversial bus gates have been made permanent but the right turn ban on Union Terrace will be removed.

Councillors met at the Town House on Friday in another attempt to draw to a conclusion on the future of Aberdeen's bus gates.

There were fears removing any bus gates would come with the risk of Transport Scotland reclaiming £8 million in funding given to implement the measures.

Despite council officer's recommendations, one small change has been made which will see the removal of the right turn ban on Union Terrace leading onto Rosemount Viaduct.

Council papers state this will be monitored in line with progress of the city centre masterplan.

This was the only adjustment to the bus priority routes which councillors decided to go through with, after an assessment carried out by council officers found removing the Bridge Street bus gate would have a negative impact on bus journey times and could “confuse” or “frustrate” drivers.

Night-bus services

Plans to get the wheels turning on reintroducing a night-bus service were agreed on during the meeting.

The service was axed completely six years ago but has made a return in recent festive seasons.

Up to £200,000 of surplus cash accumulated from bus gate fines will go towards services linking key city destinations and Aberdeenshire.

Adelphi bus gate temporary suspension

Previous to Friday's meeting, it was agreed to temporarily suspend the Adelphi bus gate, permitting a left turn onto Market Street.

This was taken forward to allow more vehicles and taxis onto Market Street to compensate for the loss of Hadden Street while it is closed for Aberdeen Market construction.

The taxi rank on Hadden Street has now been moved to Exchequer Row.

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