Motorists could be fined for driving on a historic Aberdeen street in an effort to protect it from further damage – after an “unsightly” temporary repair job sparked fury among residents.
The suggestion came as the council revealed that it has juggled its commitments to bring forward repairs on a stretch of High Street in Old Aberdeen.
A chunk of the ancient route, measuring 230ft by 22ft, will be restored next spring at a cost of £104,000 and the project could last 12 weeks.
Unhappy locals had previously been warned that the emergency bitumen repair put in place in May could remain there for an unknown period of time.
But council roads chief Doug Ritchie revealed that funds had been secured to start the work as soon as possible during a meeting of Old Aberdeen Community Council.
Aberdeen MSP calls for action plan to fix city’s old streets
The traffic engineering manager said: “Our budgets are set for this year and next year, but we have worked hard over the last few months to identify the money for this.
“Repairing just that small area would be a waste of money, we have to do it properly.”
Mr Ritchie also revealed that the emergency repairs had been arranged after a member of the public tripped on uneven cassies at the spot in May and complained.
A council inspector examined the road and decided that repairs needed to be made “within seven days”.
The work itself is estimated to take six to eight weeks, though the road will be closed for a further four weeks afterwards.
There will also be a 12-week notification period prior, to allow utility companies to plan work alongside the scheme.
The roads boss added that measures to protect the road – which is in the city’s most popular tourist area – from further wear and tear would now be considered.
And he suggested that a bus gate which detects and fines rogue drivers caught using the High Street – similar to one in operation at nearby Bedford Road which has netted the council more than £1 million – could be the solution.
Seaton, Tillydrone and Old Aberdeen councillor, Ross Grant, said officers were drafting reports on methods of protecting granite cobbles. Mr Grant said: “There is a bus gate there already, but it is one which can be flouted and we are looking at options on tightening up the traffic management arrangements.
“Officers are looking at developing a bus gate similar to Bedford Road.”
Last night, Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said it was vital the community was consulted on proposals for a bus gate.
He said: “The council needs to speak to local residents and of course businesses including the university to figure out if this is really the best solution for the area, and if it will have a positive impact needed. There’s also the cost to consider, and whether this is the best value solution for the council to explore.”
