ABERDEEN City Council has issued almost 50,000 fines to drivers caught in the controversial bus gates, which are accused of causing a decline in visitors to the city centre.
Recent statistics from the Press & Journal indicate that the total amount of fines issued to drivers over the initial year of the traffic regulation stands at over £3 million.
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Meanwhile, data from Springboard shows that the number of visitors to the city centre has dropped by more than a million since the introduction of the bus gates, though Aberdeen City Council disputes this claim.
According to the Aberdeen City Council data, 48,768 fines were dished out to people caught breaking the rules between November and the end of June.
The bus gates were introduced exactly one year ago today, and initially, drivers who passed through the gates were given a warning. However, after the initial “grace period,” those caught were fined £60, which was reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Since May 22, the fines have risen to £100, but they can be lowered to £50 if paid within two weeks. Considering the increase in fines, it’s estimated that at least £3,091,720 in fines were issued over a seven-month period. Even if everyone paid their fine within the 14-day window, reducing it to £30 or £50, that would still amount to £1,545,860.
Last month, council leaders opted only to investigate the potential removal of bus gates on Bridge Street in one or both directions, while looking into allowing traffic to turn right from Union Terrace once again.
There was no clear indication given on how long these studies could take, though leaders hope they will be conducted “as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, the bus gate at The Adelphi on Union Street will be removed – but it will just be lifted on a temporary basis, during the construction of the new Aberdeen Market. And traffic will only be able to turn left at the bottom of Market Street, on to Trinity Quay.
