Bus gates: Decision on making scheme permanent delayed

The decision on making Aberdeen's controversial bus gates permanent has been delayed.

The bus priority routes were introduced by the city council using an experimental traffic regulation order last year.

It is aimed at reducing traffic and creating bus priority routes around the city centre.

However, the scheme - which is in its consultation period - has received hundreds of objections from citizens and businesses.

Reoccurring themes in letters against the bus priority routes include a decrease in footfall, customers seeking business out-with the city, confusion around navigation and restricted access.

Despite this, bus operators First Bus and Stagecoach cited improved journey times and an increase in passengers.

Aberdeen City Council's transport committee were due to make a decision on making the bus gates permanent today but it has been referred to the full council meeting on July 3.

Proposed changes

Proposed changes to the route have been put forward - this includes a suspension of Union Streets Adelphi bus gate.

This would allow drivers to turn left travelling down Market Street.

Reaching the end of Market Street, motorists would only be permitted to turn left onto Trinity Quay to improve access to businesses and the NPC Shiprow car park.

These changes will also be discussed at the next full council meeting.

{{NEWS}}