Former Aberdeen council co-leader quits SNP over bus gates

A former SNP co-leader of Aberdeen City Council has quit the party over its stance on controversial bus gates.

Earlier this month, a vote was held at the Town House to make the temporary traffic measures permanent but Cllr Alex Nicoll abstained in the vote, going against his party.

More than 12,000 people had signed a petition pleading for the local authority to claw back on the measures, citing a loss in footfall in the city centre.

However, the option to keep the bus priority routes in tact was voted through by councillors.

Mr Nicoll said "I just simply did not believe that was an appropriate course of action to be taken.

"I have been in touch with numerous local traders in the area who have all reported a downturn in trade, a drop in footfall.

"I really do feel we have to listen to people and not just say we want to have a consultation and then ignore the results"

Cllr Nicoll said it was not a decision he took lightly, nor a decision he thought he would ever have to take.

He said he is concerned about the course the council is taking, explaining the group has "taken a number of decisions where we are not really taking the public with us".

Mr Nicoll will now sit as an independent councillor.

Current SNP council co-leader Christian Allard thanked Mr Nicoll for his service and wished him the best.

Mr Allard said: “The SNP group in Aberdeen, in partnership with the Liberal Democrats, is working every day to improve the lives of people across the city and protect them from the impact of Westminster cuts.

"It is unfortunate that Councillor Nicoll has taken this decision, but I would like to thank him for his service over the years as an SNP Councillor and SNP Group Leader, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

A SNP spokesperson said: “We have been notified that Cllr Nicoll has intimated his resignation from the Scottish National Party Group.”

The bus gates were implemented as an experimental traffic order last year on Bridge Street, Market Street, Union Street and Guild Street.

Councillors voted to temporarily suspend the bus gate at Adelphi, to allow traffic to travel left down Market Street while ongoing construction works for the city centre masterplan take place.

The right turn on Union Terrace was also suspended, allowing traffic to turn onto Rosemount Viaduct.

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