Plans for two new bus gates guarding the central part of Aberdeen’s Union Street would halt taxis from going the length of the Granite Mile, it has been revealed.
The city council has announced a planned overhaul will also include the introduction of a daytime delivery ban in the area around Belmont Street.
Disability campaigners and bus firms have argued against the closure of the Market Street to Bridge Street stretch of Union Street since it was introduced in summer 2020.
Using a £1.76 million government grant, the council rushed to close of the busiest section of the city’s main thoroughfare as part of the response to coronavirus.
Union Street will soon reopen to buses after two-year closure
But in February, councillors voted to reopen the disputed stretch to buses and taxis.
It was a victory for the SNP and Liberal Democrats only weeks before they took joint control of the council in May.
Their Labour and Conservative predecessors had wanted to permanently pedestrianise the space.
However, no date has yet been set for the reopening – thought to cost around £10,000.
But now the local authority has launched a consultation with the likes of disability groups, bus and freight firms, cycling campaigners and the emergency services on the proposed way forward.
Councillors and affected community councils will also be given a say.
Final decisions on longer term, £150m plans for the Granite Mile and Aberdeen beach will be taken later this month.
Have your say on the plans for Union Street and Belmont Street in our comments section below.
Two new bus gates planned for Union Street reopening
A bus gate would be placed at either end of the area now referred to as Union Street Central, allowing through access only to buses and bicycles.
Taxis and private hire cars will be allowed on to that part of the Granite Mile.
But they would only be able to enter through Back Wynd, and not from either end.
The council’s statutory consultation is the next step in the partial reopening.
It comes following progress in the demolition work at the former BHS building.
The long-empty department store is making way for a planned £50m new food and drink market development.
Service vehicles will be allowed into Union Street Central through Back Wynd as well, but only between 4.30pm and 11am.
These plans to introduce new bus gates come as a temporary camera at Market Street has snared tens of thousands of drivers – raking in a potential £2.5m to council coffers.
It has since emerged signs marking the car-free zone from the Adelphi to the top of Market Street were incorrect.
Union Street change could bring delivery ban to Belmont Street
The change would not be limited to the Granite Mile however, with the plans for a pedestrianised so-called Belmont Quarter to progress as well.
Town House chiefs estimate the overhaul – aimed at inspiring cafe culture in the city centre – will cost upwards of £1.5m and could be in place by the end of September.
Views are being sought on proposals for a daytime pedestrian and bicycle-only zone in Belmont Street, Gaelic Lane and Little Belmont Street.
Back Wynd would also be included in the change but would still used by taxis travelling to Union Street.
The Belmont Quarter changes would only allow vehicles loading and servicing properties access to those streets between 4.30pm and 11am.
Blue badge parking and motorist access to off-street areas in the quarter will be maintained at all times.
And part of Little Belmont Street would be permanently closed to cars.
A separate consultation on whether to reinstate the Back Wynd taxi rank – moved during the Union Street closure – also runs until June 10.
Conversation