An emergency meeting on the future of Aberdeen's bus gates is set to take place within the next fortnight, after the issue was pushed to the bottom on the agenda at a full council meeting yesterday.
The order of business was shuffled by the Lord Provost at the start of meeting, with all committee referrals being moved to the end. Issues that council didn't have time to get to, which resultingly included the bus gates, were then to be dealt with in seven weeks.
However, an emergency meeting between city centre traders, key stakeholders and council leaders will now take place within the next two weeks, with council leaders keen to make it happen "as soon as possible".
A Common Sense Compromise was launched by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Inspired, Our Union Street, the Press & Journal and Aberdeen businesses last week. As of the morning of Thursday, July 4, the petition has been signed by more than 9,600 people.
SIGN THE COMMON SENSE COMPROMISE
The alternative measures to the current bus gates set out in the compromise include:
- 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.
Read more: ‘Abuse of power’ claims as SNP and Lib Dems avoid vote despite 9,000 backing campaign for change