Work which has forced streets around Aberdeen city centre to temporarily close could soon be rolled out to roads surrounding schools.
A report on the controversial Spaces For People project has been prepared for members of the local authority’s urgent business committee to discuss next week.
The briefing highlights future work still to be carried out using an initial £1.76m Scottish Government grant to temporarily widen pavements and increase space for physical distancing.
It also cements the council’s intention to apply for a further cash injection for work on roads leading to the city’s schools.
While some have praised the good intentions of the Spaces For People project, thousands have voiced opposition to the way closures and traffic restrictions were imposed across Aberdeen without warning.
The money was offered in response to the public health emergency the country faces, but the urgent need for its implementation meant there was little consultation with affected businesses and residents.
The work has included the closure of the busiest stretch of Union Street between Market Street and Bridge Street.
Schoolhill, Back Wynd, Belmont Street, and parts of Bon Accord Street, Chapel Street and Rose Street have also been sealed off to traffic.
Further restrictions, including one-way systems have been installed elsewhere, with businesses vowing to leave their city centre premises in disgust at the lack of prior talks.
Around 3,000 people have now signed a petition calling for measures to be reversed, worried they could mean the end for their businesses.
Work has already been carried out in Torry’s Victoria Road with plans for a one-way system in Rosemount Place and pavement widening in George Street being drawn up with input from traders and councillors.
The report, to be considered at an urgent business committee meeting on Tuesday, outlines the vast reach of the work to make shopping areas and busy parks safer.
Work is being planned for Peterculter, Cults and North Deeside Road but will also reach the retail park and esplanade at the beach and smaller shopping areas across the city.
Safety will also be improved at many of the city’s green spaces including Seaton, Duthie, Hazelhead Park, Victoria and Westburn parks and the Deeside Way.
Council transport strategist Joanna Murray informed members that details and costs associated with work at education and public buildings “will be subject to a separate bid”.
The local authority’s blueprint for getting youngsters back in classrooms could require more temporary measures outside schools, which could be funded through the scheme.
