UPDATE: Aberdeen City Council is set to defend its highly controversial bus gates in court starting today, October 10, 2023, amid mounting pressure from local businesses. Retailer Norman Esslemont leads a group of concerned Aberdeen businesses challenging the legality of the permanent bus priority measures, which have reportedly led to over 100,000 fines in the last two years.
The court proceedings at the Court of Session in Edinburgh are expected to last two days, highlighting the urgent concerns of local businesses that claim the bus gates have severely impacted their operations. Esslemont states that the local authority’s implementation of these measures lacks legal grounding and has resulted in a significant decline in customer traffic.
According to Esslemont, “In my 60 years in business, I have never seen a council so out of touch with the business and public in Aberdeen.” His legal action is backed by just over £70,000 raised to support the case, reflecting the escalating tension between business owners and the council.
The council has defended the bus gates, stating they are clearly signposted and designed to enhance bus reliability while promoting active travel. However, many drivers are now avoiding Aberdeen altogether due to fears of hefty fines, impacting not only retail but also tourism.
Alison, a private tour guide from Inverness, revealed she stopped visiting the city after incurring £400 worth of fines earlier this year. “The city is not going to get visitors to the center,” she lamented. “I’m not taking anyone back there, not as long as this is going on.”
The bus gates, first introduced as experimental measures, were made permanent just over a year ago, with substantial changes on Guild Street, Bridge Street, and Market Street. Since the scheme’s inception, Aberdeen City Council has generated more than £3.5 million from fines, raising questions about the motives behind the restrictions.
Esslemont argues that the council’s reasons for making the bus gates permanent were “inadequate and unintelligible,” fueling further dissatisfaction among local businesses. The case’s outcome could have significant implications for both the council’s policies and the city’s economic health.
As the legal battle unfolds, businesses and residents alike are keenly watching the proceedings, with many hoping for a resolution that prioritizes both public transport efficiency and local commerce. The council has not commented on the ongoing legal matters, leaving the community in suspense.
Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story unfolds and the court’s decision could reshape the future of Aberdeen’s bus priority measures.
