Aberdeen Council has denied it is using controversial physical distancing measures in the city centre just as a means of raising cash.
A camera is to be installed to monitor the bus gate on the corner of Union Street and Market Street.
Confirmation any money raised in fines would be ring-fenced for roads projects marks a shift away from the council’s stance as recently as June, when transport spokeswoman Sandra Macdonald assured The P&J the bus gate would not be used as a general revenue raiser.
Part of the city’s £1.76 million Spaces For People project, it was installed to clear a path for buses and taxis around the closed section of Union Street.
From Monday, 27 new temporary bus stops – using wooden “parklet” pavement extensions to display timetables – will be in action along the Granite Mile.
Last night Mrs Macdonald said: “This is not being introduced to raise funds, for a start.
“What’s changed since June is a lot of people have just been going through the bus gate as there is no enforcement.
“We have to put the camera in to make it work – it’s not to raise money, it’s to keep people safe.”
It comes as the local authority gives residents the chance to write a report card on the temporary physical distancing measures in a new consultation.
The online survey can be found on the council’s website at: consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk
Since June, significant changes have been made to roads in the city centre, west end, Rosemount, Torry, George Street and, most recently, at the beach – with proposals being drawn up for bike lanes stretching from Hazlehead to Rosemount Viaduct in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, councillors have again been pushed to be able to scrutinise the Spaces For People work, which is being led by unelected officials.
At yesterday’s operations committee meeting, Bill Cormie said he was “disappointed” a report was not forthcoming.
He added: “It’s very difficult for elected members to tell residents what is happening
because, to be honest, it’s become a mire of impossibility to find out how much money has been spent on this and where we are going with it.”
