Disabled city residents claim plans to allow buses and bikes on Broad Street when it is pedestrianised will turn it into a “no-go area”.
A £3.2million revamp of the street is ongoing to turn it into a “pedestrian-priority zone” that will also be open to bicycles as well as public transport.
Councillors will meet on Monday to debate a motion by Liberal Democrat Steve Delaney which calls for the street to be closed to all vehicles when the project is finished in the coming months.
But fears have been raised that funding pledged by cycling charity Sustrans may not materialise if bikes are not allowed on Broad Street.
And bus firms have opposed any moves which would block off what they consider an “important element” of their plans.
Last night Janette Hayworth, 62, who uses a guide dog and has hearing aids in each ear, said she would not be able to see or hear if a bus was coming along the road which will be the same level as the pavement when complete.
She said: “People don’t realise that our dogs only stop at kerbs and we need to then move across the road.
“Also Marischal College is the main council office for me to renew my blue badge or with any problems with my house.
“I worry that I will need to bring a friend to help me and lose some of my independence.”
Mary Rasmussen, 74, is registered blind and also uses a guide dog.
She also raised concerns over safety. She said: “I have been against the plan from the start, I think it’ll make it a no-go area.”
Councillor Delaney highlighted also said people with restricted mobility could lack the confidence to cross the road quickly enough.
However, David Phillips, operations director for First Aberdeen: “The continued provision of space for pedestrians, buses and cyclists on Broad Street is an important element of the City Centre Masterplan.
“Safety is always our top priority and First Aberdeen puts in place a range of safety measures when operating bus services. These form part of our ongoing discussions with council officers who we are in close contact with in the run-up to the reopening.”
