Future transport options for Aberdeen must also acknowledge pedestrians and cyclists, an opposition infrastructure chief has said.
Yesterday council chiefs unveiled nine potential options for connections around the city and beyond – which include a new bridge over the Don.
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The plan is to connect expanding settlements like Blackdog and Countesswells to the city centre while encouraging more people to use public transport.
Included in the plans are a new ring road between Dubford and Grandholme, new park and ride services and a new bridge over the River Don.
It is hoped the new connections will speed up travel – especially with the opening of the AWPR.
But Liberal Democrat infrastructure spokesman Steve Delaney said that routes for walkers and bikers should not be a “bolt-on” to the main schemes.
He said: “As a city we need to ensure we make best use of the future transport opportunities afforded to us by the opening of the AWPR.
“The deliverability and affordability of any proposed scheme are also key factors.
“Whilst fully supporting the need to investigate these options, we would expect them to take full account of the needs of not just motorists and public transport but also of cyclists and pedestrians in their overall design.
“These should not be considered as desirable bolt-ons, otherwise we will simply dilute the sustainability of any such scheme.”
“We need to longer term plan for roads maintenance in the city to ensure we tackle our existing backlog of repairs and ensure we don’t just add more roads with no clear plan as to how we will maintain them in future years.”
SNP operations spokeswoman Jackie Dunbar said: “We all need to be very mindful of the city continuing to grow and infrastructure must be in place to meet demand.
“I am however conscious of the fact that we need to balance investment across the city.
“Ultimately I would encourage everyone to partake in the consultation as it will help inform the process.”
Council roads spokesman Ross Grant urged residents to make their views known adding that public transport was “at the heart” of their plans.
The council is now looking for the view of residents before progressing the plans.
Visit consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk.
