Frustrated taxi drivers in Aberdeen are still being denied access through a controversial city bus gate – despite the authority granting permission in principle more than a year ago.
Last November, councillors voted in favour of allowing taxis access to the Bedford Road bus gate, but it has emerged drivers will not be granted entry until a statutory consultation has been carried out- which is currently ongoing.
Many months on, that consultation is apparently still to take place.
Should permission finally be officially approved, signage will be put in place at the bus gate advising taxi drivers they have right of access.
In the meantime, however, drivers are being forced to take alternative roads, with more than one claiming customers are becoming “angry” that they seem to avoiding the most direct route on journeys.
The gate was installed in May 2016 to stop drivers using Bedford Road as a through road after the Diamond Bridge opened.
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It has led to the road being permanently closed between Meston Walk and Hermitage Avenue.
The move prompted outrage among many drivers due to a perceived increase in congestion in and around Bedford Road, with a petition against the gate gathering almost 3,000 signatures back in 2016.
It has also proved to be a valuable money spinner for the local authority.
Last October, it was reported that 23,280 fines were issued to people filmed passing through it during its first year in operation – raking in almost £685,000.
That figure has decreased as more people have become used to the system, but frustration at the delay in allowing taxi access is growing.
Derek Davidson, a taxi driver of 20 years, said: “It was a stupid idea from the start. Our customers don’t understand why we seem to be avoiding the most direct route.
“We have to explain that we are also banned from going down Bedford Road. It is really frustrating for them and us.”
Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen councillor SNP Alex McLellan added: “I can certainly appreciate that taxi drivers and their passengers will be disappointed that the access to the bus gate has not been forthcoming.
“It is my understanding that the matter is progressing and hopefully we will see taxi access to the bus gate soon.”
A council spokesman said the authority would soon be conducting public consultation on the issue.
