Drivers face £60 fines for entering Aberdeen city bus gates from today

Drivers could be slapped with a fine for entering new bus gates in Aberdeen city centre from today.

It follows a three-month grace period from Aberdeen City Council where up until now, motorists were issued a warning letter.

Motorists who do enter the bus gates will face the consequence of £60 with a reduced fee of £30 if it's paid up within 14 days.

The routes occupy Market Street, Guild Street and Bridge Street which are only accessible to buses, bikes , taxis, and goods vehicles.

When the plans were unveiled, a petition - which gained almost 7 thousand signatures - was launched by members of the public calling for the local authority to scrap the plans entirely.

Despite their efforts, they went ahead in August.

Just last week Aberdeen City Council announced additional warnings would be installed to make the bus gates "even clearer" for drivers following the initial monitoring period.

These included road marking and traffic islands.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “The new road layout will help to reduce travel times for buses in the city centre so will be a boost to bus passengers travelling from the city and further afield.

“We want to encourage people to walk, cycle or take public transport where they can and being so they will help have a positive impact on lowering emissions in our city centre.

“We realise it may take a little time for people to become familiar with the new road layout and we appreciate their patience meantime.”