'Spaces for People' to be ditched at Level 0

Aberdeen City Council say the interventions, intended to make social distancing easier, in Rosemount & Torry and on George Street, could be gone by July 19th. Are you happy with the news?

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 24th Jun 2021

Three temporary neighbourhood Spaces for people interventions which were introduced to increase space for pedestrians due to coronavirus 2m physical distancing are to be removed after Aberdeen is at Level 0 of the Scottish Government’s route map.

Aberdeen City Council’s city growth and resources committee agreed to the move for Rosemount, Torry and George Street today after recommendations from the Director of Public Health for NHS Grampian said it would support the removal of the measures due to improved public health position and significant vaccination coverage.

The timetable for the removal is they would start three weeks after the move to Level 0 and they will take approximately 13 weeks to remove. The Scottish Government has indicated it expects mainland Scotland to move to Level 0 on 19 July.

The Union Street Spaces for People interventions will be reported to city growth and resources committee in August as part to the City Centre Masterplan review along with the BHS and Market Buildings proposals.

Aberdeen City Council city growth and resources committee convener Councillor Ryan Houghton said: “It is fantastic that due to the improved public health position and significant vaccination coverage we can remove the neighbourhood Spaces for People interventions when we’re at Level 0.

“It has been a difficult time for many people and it is thanks to the public for continuing to stick with the physical distancing, mask-wearing, lockdowns, vaccinations, and all the other measures to combat Covid-19 that we’re in this position.”

Aberdeen City Council transport spokesperson Councillor Sandra Macdonald said: “Having served their purpose, it is time to pack away the striped bollards, temporary signage, water-filled barriers, and pavement extensions.

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