Aberdeen council faces public backlash over new traffic measures.
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In a surprising turn of events, Aberdeen City Council is scrambling to address growing concerns from local traders regarding its recent traffic management decisions. The council, which had previously voted to implement a series of contentious traffic bans, is now facing accusations of incompetence and legal missteps. This situation has left many business owners feeling alarmed and seeking legal advice as they navigate the chaos that has enveloped the city center.
As the council attempts to undo a vote made just two months ago, traders are expressing their frustration over the impact of the newly implemented bus gates. These measures, which were intended to improve traffic flow, have instead been described as detrimental to local businesses. Many retailers report significant declines in trade, with some claiming losses of up to 40% since the introduction of the bus gates.
Norman Esslemont, a veteran retailer in Aberdeen, has been vocal about the negative effects of the traffic restrictions. He stated, “The damage that the bus gates have inflicted on businesses has resulted in a significant decrease in trade.” His sentiments are echoed by other traders who feel that the council’s decisions have not only harmed their businesses but have also created a sense of uncertainty in the community.
In response to the backlash, the council has called for an emergency meeting to reconsider the controversial traffic measures. This meeting, however, has been criticized as a sign of disarray within the council’s leadership. Rick Brooks, leader of the council’s Conservative group, condemned the situation as a “chaotic calamity,” questioning whether the administration was unaware of the legal requirements surrounding the traffic changes or if they had deliberately concealed this information.
The council’s decision to reverse the ban on right turns from Union Terrace onto Rosemount Viaduct has been labeled as “legally incompetent” under existing legislation. This revelation has prompted calls for a fresh round of discussions, with traders hoping to persuade council leaders to reconsider their stance on the bus gates.
As the situation unfolds, support for the traders is gaining momentum. Many local residents and business owners are rallying behind Esslemont and others who are advocating for change. The overwhelming consensus among traders is that the current traffic measures are unsustainable and detrimental to the local economy.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, has praised the efforts of traders like Esslemont, stating that their experiences reflect a broader sentiment among businesses in the area. “Businesses are telling us that they are losing between 15% and 40% trade since the inception of bus gates and LEZ,” Watson noted, emphasizing the urgent need for a compromise that benefits both the council and local businesses.
As the council prepares for its emergency meeting, the outcome remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the voices of Aberdeen’s traders are growing louder, and they are determined to fight for their livelihoods in the face of what they perceive as misguided traffic policies.
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