Concerns have been raised that safety features installed in Aberdeen city centre are preventing the emergency services from reaching people in “life or death” situations.
The Spaces for People system in Union Street was rolled out to help keep people safe by providing them with more room to maintain social distancing.
But Aberdeen City Council is now reviewing parts of the project, following a recent incident where the emergency services struggled to reach a casualty.
Aberdeen councillor Alex Nicoll, a former policeman, said members of the public had to try to shift gates and barriers to allow an ambulance to get onto the stretch of Union Street.
He fears that the myriad road closures could cause further obstructions for the emergency services if not revised immediately.
Mr Nicoll said: “Two weeks ago there was an incident on Union Bridge, where an ambulance arrived on scene and couldn’t get access to the casualty.
“Full credit to nearby members of the public and crew members who tried to remove barriers, but unfortunately they were too solid and it wasn’t possible to do that.
“That news was extremely concerning – in an emergency minutes matter and the difference in one or two moments can be the difference of life and death.”
Mr Nicoll took the issue to council officers and, two weeks later, has been told the situation is being reviewed.
He added that the counci’s £1.76 million grant – received from the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People fund – could have been spent with more “discussion”.
He said: “It is a little disappointing it has taken two weeks – but now I’ve received information that officers are putting in some sort of chicane.
“But I’m still concerned how fire engines, police vehicles or ambulances – all blue light services – are expected to access Union Street without engaging in potentially life-threatening detours.
“Public safety is at the forefront here – and this is a chance to explain why councillors should be involved in these decision making processes.
“We should be providing leadership to show what needs to be done on how these measures – which are of course are needed in the wake of the pandemic – can be implemented properly and safely.
“We see emergency services on Union Street on any given day – preventing them going about their business is not acceptable.”
Last night Sandra Macdonald, transport spokeswoman for the council, said: “I can very much understand Councillor Nicoll’s concerns and the project manager is liaising with blue light services.
“If there are concerns we need to address them and we will continue working with all the blue light services, I haven’t seen any feedback as of yet but I do know that the project manager did go on a walkabout and was content that an ambulance would fit at the Bridge Street end.
“I’m pleased that the team is currently reviewing it all and if there are any actions that need taking then they will be dealt with.”
She added that she believed his fears would be allayed after hearing straight from officers at an upcoming meeting.
