Backing the bus gates Common Sense Compromise: Emily McDonald, Adrian Watson, Craig Walker, Dominique Dawson, Mary Martin, Robert Keane, Victoria Mutch, John Michie, Rosemary Michie and Russell Borthwick. Image courtesy of DC Thomson
Today, city centre businesses and organisations stand united in a call for the city council to reach a Common Sense Compromise on Aberdeen’s bus gates.
Backed by the Press & Journal, traders and groups - including Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and Our Union Street - say changes are needed in the face of declining footfall experienced by 90% of businesses.
We have put forward an alternative proposal to the current city centre bus gate plan as “the minimum needed to keep businesses alive” and started a petition to back the move.
We’re calling on the following compromise to be made by Aberdeen City Council:
- Keep the Guild Street bus gates, along with restrictions on Schoolhill and Upperkirkgate.
- Remove the bus gates at the Adelphi and Market Street, allowing access in both directions through Market Street.
- Remove the bus gates on Bridge Street, allowing full access in both directions.
- Remove the right turn ban on Union Terrace.
- Issue a warning rather than a fine to first offenders.
- Use fines to help city centre businesses via transport initiatives.
A clear message must be sent to people living in and around Aberdeen that the city is open for business.