Delighted traders welcomed news last night that a hated bus gate in a popular Aberdeen shopping street is to be removed.
Council co-leader Jenny Laing revealed the bus gate at the top of Esslemont Avenue, at its junction with Rosemount Place, is for the chop.
It was put in to police access to the bus and bicycle contraflow in Rosemount Place, installed to enable physical distancing in the street.
Outraged residents and business owners patrolled the length of the one-way system, between Argyll Place to Mount Street, demanding change after the emergency work was put in place with little consultation.
The bus gate’s removal would allow right turns in and out of Rosemount Place and Esslemont Avenue.
Belvidere Gallery owner, Alan Watt, who is also a member of traders group Rosemount Rocks, said: “It’s welcome news – a step in the direction.
“We are looking for a wee bit more and still hoping for a redesign to allow an easier flow of traffic.”
Council staff promised to go back to the drawing board after hearing concerns, but delayed making a decision until bus companies had a chance to see how it affected school traffic.
But now, it has been decided the school rush will pose little problem if right turns are allowed.
Mrs Laing, a councillor for the area, confirmed its imminent removal at a meeting of the Rosemount And Mile End Community Council last night.
She said: “Officers are working on that. They are drawing up a design around that and it’s going to First Bus tomorrow.
“It will take a little bit of time to get signage in place but it’s my understanding those changes are going to be made.”
Fellow Rosemount And Midstocket councillor Bill Cormie added: “It will be a great relief to people living in Richmond Street and Short Loanings, which have been used a rat-runs.
“It’s taken a while but this will make a difference.”