First Aberdeen to conduct site visit over Countesswells bus safety concerns

By Ellie Milne

July 16 2022, 6:00 am

Calls for bus reroute to be scrapped over safety concerns Picture supplied by Liam Kerr.

A site visit is scheduled to take place in Countesswells later this month after concerns were raised about the safety of a new bus route.

Since July 3, the number 15 service operated by First Aberdeen has been re-routed along Countesswells Road.

Since then, North-East MSP Liam Kerr has voiced the fears of constituents that cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders could be knocked down by oncoming vehicles – particularly large buses.

Mr Kerr and the Braeside and Mannofield Community Council wrote to the bus company and Aberdeen Council to share these concerns.

They highlighted the road’s tight bends and frequently flooded gullies, as well as the lack of visibility and pavements which they say make it unsuitable for the route.

A photo of a number 15 bus having to drive onto the grass verge to pass an oncoming lorry on the road has now been shared to further highlight the issues raised.

The bus can be seen on the grass verge to avoid hitting the oncoming lorry on Countesswells Road. Supplied by Scottish Conservative Media.

‘Completely unsuitable’

First Aberdeen has confirmed the safety site visit will take place on July 28, with local authority officers, the community council. Mr Kerr will also be in attendance.

He said: “I was horrified to see the picture [of the bus on the verge] which further highlights that Countesswells Road is completely unsuitable for buses.

“It would be a terrifying scenario if a cyclist or horse rider was also on the road at the same time as when this happened.

“However, I’m glad First Aberdeen have acknowledged our concerns about this and have agreed to conduct a site visit.”

The 15 bus has been re-routed to serve Torry, Airyhall and Countesswells – creating a transport link for a new housing development and Aldi store.

The buses are now travelling along Countesswells Road every half hour in both directions.

At the site visit, Mr Kerr has said he will “strongly” suggest that the A944 Queens Road corridor is used instead to avoid a “repeat of dangerous incidents”.

Minimising risk

Liam Kerr MSP has raised concerns about the safety of Countesswells as a bus route. Supplied by Scottish Conservative media.

Braeside and Mannofield Community Council secretary Keith Pirie added: “We are pleased to be invited to participate in this site visit.

“Over the past couple of weeks there have been several comments from residents and road users about the unsuitability of the rural section of the 15 route.

“Our priority is to minimise the risks for all road users, drivers, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.”

A spokesman from First Aberdeen said representatives had agreed to the site visit and was looking forward to “continuing our dialogue”.