Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Start Date and Time : 09 December 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 20 December 2019 17:00

Location : Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08.00 on 9 December, 2019, until 17:00 on 20 December, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Dumgoyne Place and Balfron Place, and also on either side of Campsie Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 5 and 7 Campsie Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works being carried out by BT Openreach.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Wright Traffic Management on 01466 751316, or info@wtm.scot

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Gairsay Road and Stronsay Drive

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 06 December 2019 22:00

Location : Gairsay Road and Stronsay Drive

Description : There is a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 06:30 on 25 November 2019.

There is also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. From 06:30 on 25 November, 2019, until 22:00 on 6 December, 2019, there will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and a point 30m in a westerly direction, and also on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and the access to numbers 110-120 Stronsay Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive, and via Stronsay Place, Summerhill Terrace, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Start Date and Time : 02 December 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 13 December 2019 17:00 

Location : Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08.00 on 2 December, 2019, until 17:00 on 13 December, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Dumgoyne Place and Balfron Place, and also on either side of Campsie Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 5 and 7 Campsie Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works being carried out by BT Openreach.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Wright Traffic Management on 01466 751316, or info@wtm.scot

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Gairsay Road

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 01 November 2019 22:00

Location : Gairsay Road 

Description : There will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 22:00 on 1 November 2019.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive. 

It’s Not Too Early To Get Ready for Winter

With winter approaching, it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure you, your home and your car are ready for winter.

There is lots of information available online to help you get ready for winter.

Age UK publish a guide to keeping warm and well during winter and you can download that here.

You can find out more about dealing with cold weather on the Met Office’s advice webpages.

You can also find advice on how to deal with frozen pipes on Scottish Water’s website, the AA’s guide for winter motoring here and advice from Cycling UK and the AA about cycling in the winter here.

You can find out about the council’s one-tonne community salt bag scheme here. If you or an organisation you know would like to apply for a one-tonne salt bag the deadline for doing so is 1st November.

Information about the council’s road and pavement gritting service is available here.

Remember, the grit bins around our area are there for residents to use. If you know of one in our area that needs refilling then please do let me have the details.

Lengthy Closure Of C128C Kingswells to Cults Closes Planned For Early 2020

A number of Kingswells residents have contacted local councillor Steve Delaney raising their concerns about the proposed closure of this road. This comes only a couple of years after prolonged closure of the road to get utility services across to the new Countesswells development.

Matters came to a head a couple of weeks ago when it emerged that the developer had set up a meeting but had not publicised this beyond the residents of the new development. Kingswells residents were given no advance warning of this, nor were councillors. Steve has since been in touch with several council officers and representatives of the developer, Countesswells Development Ltd to try to get some answers.

The works overall are expected to take about a year, though it’s not expected the road will be closed for the duration of the works. An initial road closure application has now been received by the council. The closure is proposed from 6 January 2020 for three months.

The works involve widening the C128C where it joins the roundabout and stopping up the current road southwards and replacing it with a new road to line up with Countesswells Road. Longer term this is going to be very welcome but in the interim there’s going to be significant diversions for anyone trying to get from Kingswells to Cults.

Steve said, “Council officers do not believe a 12 month closure  to be either required or indeed acceptable”. Just yesterday I received a response from Countesswells Development Ltd in which they said, “there will not, and never has been, the intention to close that road for a 12 month period”. They went on to say that they would be, “building the road up to the roundabout and then introducing a closure for as minimum a period as we possible can”.

At this point in time it remains unclear as to whether further works are envisaged beyond the initial 3 month period, whether or not the enlargement of the Kingswells roundabout is included in these works and a number of other questions also remain outstanding. 

Steve concluded, “Although the closure cannot be avoided for safety reasons I have sought assurances from both the council and the developer that these need to be kept to the absolute minimum in order to minimise disruption to local people”.

“Please rest assured I will remain in touch with both the council and Countesswells Development Ltd until matters become much clearer. Further updates will be posted if and when available”.

Concerns About LED Street Lighting

A significant number of residents have contacted local councillor Steve Delaney to raise concerns about lighting levels since the council upgraded the street lighting to LED bulbs.

These bulbs are much cheaper to run, they last much longer, they are less likely to fail, they significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the lighting in their immediate vicinity is much improved.

However, the radius of the area illuminated around each column is significantly reduced, resulting in dark spots between the columns, unlit driveways and the entrances to people’s homes no longer being illuminated. This in turn has led to safety concerns with regard to fear of crime and possible trip hazards for people who are perhaps unsteady on their feet or have poor eyesight.

Steve said, “I have raised these concerns and more with the council and I have also tried to explore possible solutions with them”.

“The council has responded by saying that the aim was get the electricity costs and carbon footprint as low as possible while still achieving the required lighting levels that the public were used to and also that of the British Standards which set the minimum levels for lighting”.

“I’m informed that by using white light, facial recognition is better than that of orange light sources and the new LED lanterns are much more focussed in where they direct their light with a dramatic reduction in ‘spill light’ which may have led to the perception that the area is less lit due to the fact that house gardens and paths are no longer illuminated”.

It appears that the council has an obligation to light adopted roads and footpaths. Unfortunately they are not under any obligation to illuminate driveways or private footpaths leading to residents’ doors. In that respect the wider angled beam of the older style lighting was subject to a fair amount of light spillage and therefore better at giving a uniform lighting level in all areas.

Steve asked for tests to be carried out in a few streets to ensure they did indeed meet the minimum British Standard with respect to lighting levels. In every case they actually exceeded that minimum standard. The issue seems to be that the lit areas are fine, it’s the unlit areas that are causing understandable concern.

Steve said, “I have asked about any possible ways the dark spots could perhaps be eliminated. One suggestion was that perhaps the height of the columns could be shortened. However,  it appears they had in fact been heightened to improve the uniformity of lighting across the length of the street and to reduce the number of light and dark areas in the street”.

“Another idea was to fit reflectors around the bulbs to increase lighting levels. I was informed that every lantern has specially designed optics around each LED to make sure that the lantern puts the light exactly where it is required and that it is not possible to fit reflectors around the bulb as could be done with the old style lanterns”.

Steve concluded, “As long as the council is meeting the legal minimum standards, which they appear to be, then nothing is going to change.”

“The only solution I can see is for householders to install additional lighting, possibly motion activated, in order to illuminate any dark spots on their own property.  It’s something myself and my neighbours had to do some years ago as our street has always been particularly badly lit”.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Stronsay Drive, Gairsay Road

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 01 November 2019 22:00 
Location : Stronsay Drive, Gairsay Road 

Description : The effect of the order is to impose temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and its northern junction with the loop road at numbers 27-65 Stronsay Drive until 22:00 on 23 October, 2019 .

There will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 22:00 on 1 November 2019.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Also, there will be a prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Lang Stracht and Stronsay Crescent until 22:00 on 18 October 2019.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones, and illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council and duct laying works for City Fibre.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route for the Stronsay Drive closure is available via King’s Gate, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht, and for the Gairsay Road closure via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Start Date and Time : 09 September 2019 07:00 
End Date and Time : 04 October 2019 17:00 

Location : Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 9 September 2019, until 17:00 on 04 October 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Arnage Place between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

There will also be a temporary prohibition of waiting either side of Arnage Place, Aberdeen, between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Ross Crescent, Arnage Drive and vice versa. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Whitemyres Avenue

Start Date and Time : 02 September 2019 06:00 
End Date and Time : 13 October 2019 22:00 

Location : Whitemyres Avenue 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 06:00 on 2 September, 2019, until 22:00 on 13 October, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Whitemyres Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Drive and Whitemyres Place, other than in a westerly direction.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during gas main replacement works by SGN.

Temporary traffic signals will be in use from 25 September to 13 October, 24 hours/day.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Scotland Gas Networks on 0800 912 1700, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Whitemyres Avenue, Lang Stracht and Mastrick Drive. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Start Date and Time : 09 September 2019 07:00
End Date and Time : 20 September 2019 17:00

Location : Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 9 September 2019, until 17:00 on 20 September 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Arnage Place between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

There will also be a temporary prohibition of waiting either side of Arnage Place, Aberdeen, between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Ross Crescent, Arnage Drive and vice versa.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Whitemyres Avenue

Start Date and Time : 02 September 2019 06:00 
End Date and Time : 13 October 2019 22:00 

Location : Whitemyres Avenue 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 06:00 on 2 September, 2019, until 22:00 on 13 October, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Whitemyres Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Drive and Whitemyres Place, other than in a westerly direction.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during gas main replacement works by SGN.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Scotland Gas Networks on 0800 912 1700, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Whitemyres Avenue, Lang Stracht and Mastrick Drive. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Surface Dressing Brodiach Road

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 07:00
End Date and Time : 26 July 2019 22:00

Location : Surface Dressing Brodiach Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving and a 20mph speed restriction on the following roads; Brodiach Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and the city boundary at Brodiach Burn.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

Each road will be closed for a maximum of two days between 07:00 on 15 July, 2019, and 22:00 on 26 July, 2019.

The 20mph speed restriction will be enforced on each road for a period of one week following surface dressing.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during and following carriageway surfacing dressing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and Westhill Road;

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Broadiach Road

Start Date and Time : 22 June 2019 07:30 
End Date and Time : 06 July 2019 22:00

Location : Broadiach Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 22 June, 2019, until 22:00 on 6 July, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Brodiach Road, Aberdeen, between Cairdhillock Farmhouse and The Bungalow.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection works for a new development. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to WM Donald on 01569 730590, or info@wmdonald.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Westhill Road, Westhill Drive, and the A944 Skene Road. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – City Fibre 14 Kingsford Road

Start Date and Time : 15 June 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 15 June 2019 17:00 

Location : City Fibre 14 Kingsford Road 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 until 17:00 on 15th June, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Kingsford Road, Aberdeen, from the gable end of number 20 Kingsford Road to the gable end of number 26 Kingsford Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 07940598693, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Road, Brodinch Road and Springhill Road. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Shapinsay Road

Start Date and Time : 10 May 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 17 May 2019 17:00

Location : Shapinsay Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 until 17:00 on 10 May, 2019, and from 07:30-17:00 daily from 13 May, 2019, until 17 May, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Shapinsay Road, Aberdeen, for its entire length.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the area shaded red below. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Axe The Garden Tax

On 5th March Conservative, Labour and SNP councillors in Aberdeen all voted to impose a Garden Tax, an annual charge for collecting garden and other “green waste” from people’s brown bins.

This new Garden Tax will be on top of your increased council tax bill.

Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrat councillors opposed this Garden Tax. The Liberal Democrats believe it is wrong to introduce this Garden Tax. Garden waste collection is an important council service and should be paid for from council tax. Composting green and garden waste is also important for our environment.

Conservative and Labour councillors, together with their Independent allies, voted for a £30 Garden Tax.

The SNP councillors wanted to have a Garden Tax of £35.

The Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose this unfair tax on people with gardens.

If you back the campaign to axe the Garden Tax please sign up here.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Shapinsay Road

Start Date and Time : 14 May 2019 07:30 
End Date and Time : 20 May 2019 17:00

Location : Shapinsay Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30-17:00 daily from 14 May, 2019, to 20 May, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Shapinsay Road, Aberdeen, for its entire length.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Croft Road

Start Date and Time : 27 March 2019 07:30 
End Date and Time : 28 March 2019 17:00

Location : Croft Road

Description : In the interests of public safety during works being carried out by Aberdeen City Council

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 27 March, 2019, until 17:00 on 28 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Croft Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 1 and 3 Croft Road to its junction with Croft Place, and also on Croft Terrace, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 29 and 31 Croft Terrace to its junction with Croft Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road, and also on Croft Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Croft Terrace to a point 10 metres in a northerly direction from 07:30 to 17:00 daily.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The existing one-way system on Croft Place, Aberdeen, will be suspended to maintain egress from properties.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk 

The Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused by this temporary measure. 

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Drive, Arnage Drive, Fernhill Drive, and Hillylands Road 

Kingswells Fibre Nears Completion

The roll out of high speed fibre connections began in Kingswells 5 years ago. Despite getting off to a promising start, various obstacles were encountered and, at times, it was less than certain that we would see full coverage of the village.

Local councillor Steve Delaney has been working with Aberdeen City Council, Digital Scotland, BT and Openreach to ensure that the programme was fully delivered.

Steve said, “I’m pleased to announce that Derbeth Grange is now 100% completed. To my knowledge there are only a handful of addresses in Wellside Place and Derbeth Park which are not yet capable of being connected to fibre.

“I fully understand the frustration of these families who are still experiencing prehistoric connection speeds but we are getting there. The final challenges appear to be down to obscure technical issues which have yet to be resolved as all other homes in these streets are already connected.

“Please rest assured I will remain in regular touch with Openreach and will post further updates as final completion nears”.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Windford Road

Start Date and Time : 04 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 08 March 2019 17:30

Location : Windford Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 4 February, 2019, until 17:30 on 8 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Windford Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Sheddocksley Road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place

Start Date and Time : 26 February 2019 09:30
End Date and Time : 26 February 2019 15:30
Location : Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:30 until 15:30 on 26 February, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Sanday Road, and on Stronsay Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Stronsay Drive and Summerhill Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Fernilea Crescent, and on Stronsay Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Stronsay Drive and Summerhill Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Summerhill Road and King’s Gate.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer investigation works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Structures team on 03000 200292, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Croft Road

Start Date and Time : 11 March 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 15 March 2019 17:00

Location : Croft Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 11 March, 2019, until 17:00 on 15 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Croft Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 1 and 3 Croft Road to its junction with Croft Place, and on Croft Terrace, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 29 and 31 Croft Terrace to its junction with Croft Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road between 07:30 and 17:00 daily, and also on Croft Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Croft Terrace to a point 10 metres in a northerly direction. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The existing one-way system on Croft Place, Aberdeen, will be suspended to maintain egress from properties.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Drive, Arnage Drive, Fernhill Drive, and Hillylands Road.

Wind Farm Cash Available Soon

Photo of Aberdeen Bay windfarmThe company which operates the Aberdeen Bay wind farm is to run a community benefit fund which is open to community groups across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Vattenfall have committed to annually investing £150,000 to a community benefit scheme for the 20 year lifetime of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in Aberdeen Bay.

Applications for the Unlock our Future Fund are now open and will run until 15 April 2019. Application forms are available from the fund’s webpage which will go live on that date. It is expected that funding awards will be made in early summer.

Any constituted organisation or community group in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is eligible to apply.

There are four key priorities of the scheme and each application must demonstrate how it will meet all four. Each application must:

  • Contribute to a climate smarter world with sustainability at its core
  • Invest in community facilities and/or activities that are fit for the future
  • Be innovative
  • Ensure a legacy and lasting impact which clearly brings benefit to the local community

An independent community champions panel will select the successful applications. Foundation Scotland will administer the fund.

Plastic Roads Update


Aberdeen City Council has agreed to keep current developments on plastic roads firmly on its radar. This was agreed unanimously at the Operational Delivery Committee in response to Lib Dem Councillor Steve Delaney’s Notice of Motion.

In its most basic form, plastic was first used to fill potholes in India over 20 years ago, though the process was pretty basic at the time and has changed significantly over the years. One of the first main highways to include the use of plastic was constructed in Chennai, India in 2002 and it has yet to show any significant signs of wear or tear.

Since then technology has moved on and roads with plastic content have been in more common use in Australia and the USA for a number of years where they has proved to be more durable than traditional roads. Over the past five years this technology has been used to resurface 21,000 miles of roads in India.

A new proprietary product has been developed by a UK based company which promises much by way of longer lasting roads, but also taking into account environmental concerns. The process involves replacing bitumen in the asphalt mix with plastic pellets. Very little plastic is used but the result is a stronger, longer lasting road surface which is reputed to be less susceptible to potholes.

A number of trials of this product have already been undertaken with more to come. Dumfries & Galloway, Cumbria & Enfield councils have all carried out trials and Fife Council are said to be looking to trial this product. It has recently been used to resurface a major junction on the A6 and a section of the A7.

Steve said, “With ongoing financial challenges and the poor state of many of our roads, we really need to be open minded to products which may help reduce our costs and keep our roads in a much better condition for much longer.

“The use of new emerging technology is absolutely essential to the future growth and prosperity of the city but I’m sure everyone would agree we must first satisfy ourselves that the product is safe, environmentally friendly and offers the cost savings and durability promised.

“Clearly we need to recognise that we don’t have India’s climate nor indeed Australia’s, with potholes continuing to be a major issue on all our roads and the lifespan of of these roads being much less than in some other parts of the world. So it is essential that we satisfy ourselves that this product will deliver what it promises in in our colder climate”.

The committee agreed to continue to monitor trials of the product elsewhere in the UK and to gather more evidence relating to the durability, longevity and environmental credentials of this product. A further report will come back to committee when there is sufficient evidence to take an informed decision on the possible use of this product.

Steve added, “I truly believe this technology and products derived from it could represent a revolutionary breakthrough for the road construction industry and I was pleased to see the willingness of all councillors to embrace it as long as it proves to be an effective solution for the challenges we face maintaining our roads in Aberdeen”.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Lang Stracht

Start Date and Time : 12 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 15 February 2019 17:00

Location : Lang Stracht

Description : The effect of the order is to impose temporary restrictions as per the schedule below;

From 07:30 on 12 February, 2019, until 17:00 on 15 February, 2019 there will be a prohibition of driving on Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, on the access to the inset road east of lighting pole number 108.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway patching works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route for egress will be available via the construction site to Maidencraig Way.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Windford Road

Start Date and Time : 04 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 01 March 2019 17:30

Location : Windford Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 4 February, 2019, until 17:30 on 1 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Windford Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Sheddocksley Road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Hogmanay

Start Date and Time : 30 December 2018 18:00
End Date and Time : 01 January 2019 06:00

Location : Hogmanay

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named orders to provide for a wide range of traffic management arrangements, under powers conferred upon it by Section 62(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, and Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, in connection with the Aberdeen City Council Hogmanay Fireworks event 2018.

The temporary traffic management arrangements are shown in the schedule below, and will apply at the times indicated therein.

Road Closures From 13:00 on 31 December 2018 to 06:00 on 1 January 2019 • Schoolhill, Aberdeen, between its junction with Blackfriars Street and Upperkirkgate.

• Blackfriars Street, Aberdeen, (whole length)

• St Andrew Street, Aberdeen between its junctions with Blackfriars Street and Charlotte Street.

• Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Schoolhill and the Union Terrace slip road.

• Belmont Street, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Schoolhill and Little Belmont Street.

• Gaelic Lane, Aberdeen, (whole length)

• Back Wynd, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Schoolhill and Little Belmont Street.

From 20:00 on 31 December 2018 to 06:00 on 1 January 2019

• Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen, between its junction with Schoolhill and Flourmill Lane.

From 22:00 on 31 December 2018 to 06:00 on 1 January 2019

• Harriet Street, Aberdeen, (whole length)

• Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Skene Street and the Union Terrace Slip road.

• Union Terrace, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Rosemount Viaduct and Union Street

• Skene Street, Aberdeen, from its junction with Woolmanhill Roundabout to its junction with Rosemount Viaduct

• Spa Street, Aberdeen, from the access into Denburn car park to its junction with Skene Street.

• Back Wynd, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Little Belmont Street and Union Street.

• Diamond Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Diamond Street and Union Terrace.

• The whole of Bridge Place, Aberdeen,

• The whole of Bath Street, Aberdeen.

• The whole of Windmill Brae, Aberdeen,

• The whole of Windmill Lane, Aberdeen,

From 23:30 on 31 December 2018 to 00:45 on 1 January 2019

• Union Street, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Crown Street and Market Street.

From 23:50 on 31 December 2018 to 00:30 on 1 January 2019

• Denburn Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Woolmanhill Roundabout and Wapping Street.

Temporary One-Way system, From 13:00 until 22:00 on 31 December 2018

Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen, travelling eastbound, for taxi’s only.

Temporary suspension of One-Way system, From 13:00 until 22:00 on 31 December 2018

St Catherine’s Wynd, Aberdeen,

Temporary suspensions of turning bans From 13:00 on 31 December 2018 to 06:00 on 1 January 2019

Skene Street, Aberdeen, into Rosemount Viaduct (right turn), for buses only

From 23:30 on 31 December 2018 to 00:45 on 1 January 2019

Union Street, Aberdeen, into Crown Street (right turn)

Temporary suspensions of no entry From 13:00 until 22:00 on 31 December 2018

Union Street, Aberdeen, into Belmont Street for taxi’s and delivery vehicles only.

Parking Restrictions From 18:00 on 30 December 2018 to 06:00 on 1 January 2019

• Diamond Street, Aberdeen, on either side, between Union Street and Ruby Lane.

• Bridge Street, Aberdeen, on either side, between its junctions with Union Street and Wapping Street.

• Union Terrace, Aberdeen, on either side, between its junctions with Union Street and Rosemount Viaduct.

• Schoolhill, Aberdeen, on either side, between its junctions with Back Wynd and Rosemount Viaduct including outside RGC (Pocket Park)

• Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen, on either side, between its junctions with Belmont Street and

Back Wynd From 18:00 on 30 December 2018 to 22:00 on 31 December 2018

• Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, on the south side, between Skene Square and the west boundary of 25 Rosemount Place.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Harthill Place

Start Date and Time : 07 January 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 25 January 2019 17:30

Location : Harthill Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 7 January, 2019, until 17:30 on 25 January, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Harthill Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Road, Auchlea Place and Sheddocksley Drive.

Kingswells Lock Block Update

In recent years Aberdeen City Council has been repairing damaged areas in lock block roads with black tar. This has understandably angered local residents as it results in an unsightly blight on what had previously been an attractive road surface.

Local councillor Steve Delaney has raised this issue on numerous occasions in respect of Kingswells where there are a significant number of lock block streets. He said, “I’ve heard various reasons as to why lock block cannot be replaced with lock block (having been given different reasons at different times) but I remained unconvinced that it was either not possible or not cost effective to do so”.

The council agreed earlier this year to replace the cut-de-sac in Corse Wynd with lock block in order to determine the best way forward. These works have still to be carried out and the outcome will help inform a report going to committee next year. This report will look at the cost effectiveness of larger scale lock block replacement to determine the best way forward when it comes to the permanent replacement of these surfaces at the end of their useful life.

Earlier this month the council considered a policy for carrying out temporary repairs on streets with cobbles and pre-cast concrete blocks (which includes lock block). The proposal had been for all temporary repairs to be carried out using black tar as per the current practice. Steve instead proposed that lock block repairs should be carried out using the same or similar materials where it is feasible to do so. This was accepted unanimously by the committee.

Steve said, “I’m delighted that committee have instructed these repairs to be done using lock block whenever it is feasible to do so. The council has an obligation to address road defects which pose a risk to drivers and pedestrians so it was necessary to obtain agreement as to how this will be done in sensitive areas including conservation areas and lock block streets”.

“Unfortunately none of this changes the priority for road repairs. These will only be carried out if they meet the set criteria (as is the case at present) and the replacement of lock block road surfaces will continue to be prioritised for replacement in the same manner as all other streets in Aberdeen and assessed against the very limited roads budget”.

“However, what it does mean is that small localised repairs will now be done using lock block wherever possible. Larger scale repairs or repairs where the base material beneath the surface has significantly deteriorated or collapsed will still need to be filled with tar to protect the integrity of the road until such times as it can be re-laid or resurfaced. Each street will be consider

ed on its own merits and filling in with black tar will only happen where it is necessary to do so”

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – U90C Tulloch Road

Start Date and Time : 27 October 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 29 October 2018 18:00

Location : U90C Tulloch Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 27 October, 2018, until 18:00 on 29 October, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U90C Tulloch Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Parkhead Farm Road.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, A944 Skene Road, and the C93C Borrowstone Road.

Consultation On Cross City Transport Connections

Aberdeen City Council is consulting on cross city routes to make sure the full benefits of the AWPR are locked in.

These are new roads designed to create direct links between residential areas and main centres of employment. The intention is for these routes to offer real alternatives to car use, making public transport and active travel more attractive for people to get to and from work.

Lib Dem Infrastructure Spokesman, Steve Delaney 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. In that respect I would encourage everyone to feed into the consultation and make their views known”.

“Whilst fully supporting the need to investigate these options, we would expect them to take full account 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”.

The council wants to know your views on the nine options under consideration.

The consultation runs until 30 November 2018 and can be accessed here.

Leaf Clearing

As the leaves fall from the trees and Autumn arrives, the big leaf clearing exercise commences.

The council has hired additional machinery to try to get this job done as quickly as possible and their aim is to complete works by the end of the year.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “I know piles of leaves are unsightly but diverting the crews to specific locations holds up their schedule and results in the clearance work taking much longer, which benefits nobody”.

“I would therefore request that residents only report areas which present a genuine safety concern and that way we will get all areas cleared of leaves much faster”.

“Needless to say, please do report any council maintained areas which have not been cleared by the New Year which you feel may have been missed out”.

Further Changes To Lang Stracht Will Affect Residents

Aberdeen City Council has approved road layout changes to Lang Stracht affecting the section from Skye Road to the bus gate on Old Lang Stracht.

The current signalised junction at the entrance to the new build properties at Maidencraig will be removed at an unspecified future date and replaced by two signalised junctions, one at Dobbies, the other on the opposite side of the road between Dobbies and the bus gate.

The result of this being that residents will only be permitted to turn left onto Lang Stracht from the current east signalised junction and will need to travel through the development in the wrong direction to one of these two new junctions to turn right and head into town.

Furthermore, these two new junctions will take the place of the single junction which had been specified in the Maidencraig Masterplan, resulting in yet another set of traffic lights on Lang Stracht.

Local councillor Steve Delaney had asked the Planning Committee to refuse the application. He said, “I have to agree with the objectors as this proposal would result in them having to heading west when wanting to go east and face significant hold ups at peak times. Also, the staggered west junction was certainly not in the original plans and it breaks up the inter-connectivity throughout the site, which is not in the interests of those who live there”.

“With this staggered arrangement residents will come out of the scheme further west and much nearer to the roundabout at the end of the Lang Stracht than to the eastern side of the site. This roundabout is a bottleneck at peak times with significant delays and will only get worse as a radial route to the AWPR and with the addition of traffic from Maidencraig, so the extra traffic heading towards the roundabout will get stuck stuck here, impeding easy access to Kingswells, the AWPR and further afield from Lang Stracht”.

Steve went on to emphasise the additional hold ups and congestion an extra set of traffic lights would cause on this short stretch of road. He also highlighted safety concerns if residents decided to ignore the left in, left out regulation and turn right anyway, cutting across two opposing traffic flows on Lang Stracht. He advised councillors that the signalised junction was currently in place and removing it would be a retrograde step.

He continued, “My biggest concern is that a failure to address capacity issues on the Lang Stracht will grind this road to a halt, not in 10 or 20 years but very much sooner. It’s already near gridlock for a spell during morning peak. For years I’ve been calling for the council to dual the Lang Stracht but instead we have a proposal which seeks to exacerbate traffic flow on this route, not improve it”.

The committee did not support Steve’s call to scrap the proposals, instead voting to remove the signalised east junction and therefore the ability to turn right, when 400 houses are built, and to introduce two staggered signalised junctions further west in place of single junction originally planned at Dobbies.

 

Council To Investigate “Plastic Roads”

Aberdeen City Council’s Operational Delivery Committee has unanimously agreed to Lib Dem Councillor Steve Delaney’s proposal to look at carrying out a trial of “plastic roads” in Aberdeen.

Steve said, “I was delighted to have all party support to further investigate this exciting new product which claims to offer longer lasting road surfaces and pothole filling at lower costs. Given the council’s commitment to double its budget for road and pavement resurfacing over the next five years, my hope is not that we can do this for less, but that we can get more for our money”.

In its most basic form, plastic was first used to fill potholes in India over 20 years ago, though the process was pretty basic at the time and has changed significantly over the years. One of the first main highways to include the use of plastic was constructed in Chennai, India in 2002 and it has yet to display any significant signs of wear or tear.

Since then technology has moved on and the term plastic roads is perhaps a little misleading as the amount of plastic actually used in the current product is significantly less than was used in the early roads, but instead it is merely sufficient  to offer much greater durability than that of current road surfacing products.

Plastic bags and plastic bottles are used to create pellets which are mixed with asphalt, replacing a significant amount of bitumen,  to fill potholes or to completely resurface roads.  The cost of the product is reputed to be up to 50% less than traditional roads and the maintenance costs observed elsewhere are significantly reduced.

The only company in the UK currently offering this product is MacRebur, based in Eaglesfield, Dumfries & Galloway. They further developed the concept after having received a £1m investment boost following their successful entry in the 2016 Virgin Voom competition. Sir Andy Murray is another major investor in this enterprise. The product is sold to asphalt manufacturers who can then incorporate it into their road mix. 

Similar technology has been in use elsewhere in Europe, Australia and the USA for a number of years where it has helped lower construction costs and has proved to be more durable than traditional roads. Over the past five years this technology has been used to resurface 21,000 miles of roads in India.

Currently Dumfries & Galloway, Cumbria & Enfield councils have all carried out resurfacing trials and Fife Council are believed to be considering a trial involving pothole repairs using this product, It has recently been used to resurface a junction onto the A6 near Caithwaite and a section of the A7 in the Lake District. In the case of the A7 project, 500,00 plastic bottles and 800,000 plastic bags were diverted from landfill.

Steve said, “The re-use of our plastic bags and plastic bottles in the process would be a positive outcome as would the increased durability of these roads.On the face of it this product appears to have strong environment credentials as well as offering cost savings”. 

“It was agreed that council officers will look further at the possibilities regarding the use of this product in Aberdeen. They will also consult with colleagues elsewhere in the UK to obtain feedback on trials already undertaken.  I am clearly hopeful that this will lead to a trial being conducted in Aberdeen in the very near future”.

“I’m pleased to have been in a position to bring this matter to the attention of the council and I appreciate the support of all councillors in agreeing to explore the possibilities further”.

Winter Maintenance Plan Approved

Last winter was a challenging one which just seemed to drag on. During this time  we some of the best examples of keeping the primary routes clear, despite it being the worst winter for a number of years.

However, icy pavements were amongst the worst we had seen with many people unable to get out and about and a number of accidents having occurred.

Each year the council reviews last winter’s operations with a view to learning lessons from what worked well what did not. It’s important to acknowledge that depending on the severity of a winter, we will as citizens always expect more than can reasonably deliver.

Of course the key to improvement is learning from what did and didn’t work well last year and seeking to improve upon it for next year.

Commenting on changes coming in this winter, Lib Dem Environment & Infrastructure spokesman Steve Delaney said, “Following shortages and delays in supplying salt bags to residents last winter I’m delighted to see a number of changes moving forward. These  one tonne salt bags will be publicised earlier and there will be a cut off date of 1st November”.

“It will now be easier for residents who have no space for a tonne of salt, to be access alternative options. These include a limited availability of 10kg buckets of salt and 20 huge grit bins located at convenient locations across the city where residents can fill up their own buckets with salt”.

“The introduction of 1 tonne salt bags and the smaller alternatives were both Lib Dem ideas as was the suggestion we work with other local authorities to share good practice, reduce costs and improve effectiveness”,

“I welcome the incorporation of these ideas into our regular winter maintenance programmes, especially with respect to the salt bags for which demand outstripped supply last winter”.

“Unfortunately our proposals to invest in additional personnel and machinery for clearing pavements and for snow clearing equipment intended for community use fell by the wayside, but hopefully these are proposals the council can reflect upon further as we seek to further build on community resilience moving forward”.

More information can be found here.

Please note at the time of posting the linked webpage has not been updated for 2018/19 though the link to order one tonne salt bags does work.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Kingswood Drive

Start Date and Time : 25 September 2018 05:30
End Date and Time : 28 September 2018 22:00

Location : Kingswood Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 05:30 on 25 September, 2018, until 22:00 on 28 September, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Kingswood Drive, Aberdeen, between its southern junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Bellfield View.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Kingswells Roundabout.

PLEASE NOTE that contrary to previous proposals, the C89C road from the Kingswells Roundabout to Bucksburn WILL NOT now be closed and there WILL NOT be a diversion on a section of the AWPR. The information above represents the latest update and is designed to minimise disruption during the resurfacing works.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Skye Road

Start Date and Time : 01 September 2018 05:00
End Date and Time : 21 September 2018 17:00

Location : Skye Road

Description : The effect of the order, is to close Skye Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Raasay Gardens and Lang Stracht, from 05:00 until 18:00 on 1 September, 2018.

There will then be a one-way restriction on the same stretch of road from 18:00 on 1 September, 2018, until 17:00 on 21 September, 2018.

The permitted direction of travel will be southbound only.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during traffic signal refurbishment works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council ITS Unit on 03000 200292, or TrafficLights@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Lewis Road and Arran Avenue.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Lang Stracht

Start Date and Time : 03 September 2018 19:00
End Date and Time : 15 September 2018 07:00

Location : Lang Stracht

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 19:00 on 3 September, 2018, until 07:00 on 15 September, 2018, is to impose a temporary 20mph speed restriction imposed on Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between two points 100 metres either side of its junction with the access road to Dobbies Garden Centre.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed MTM Construction on 01224 790888, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Start Date and Time : 04 August 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 04 August 2018 17:00

Location : Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:00 until 17:00 on 4 August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Edmond Gardens, Aberdeen, between its southern junction with Fairley Road and the driveway at the side of number 27 Fairley Road.

An alternative route is available via the northern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between two points 10 metres either side of its southern junction with Edmond Gardens.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to A-Plant Lux on 01698 745069, scotlandtraffic@aplant.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the northern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Start Date and Time : 04 August 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 04 August 2018 17:00

Location : Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:00 until 17:00 on 4 August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Edmond Gardens, Aberdeen, between its northern junction with Fairley Road and the driveway at number 24 Edmond Gardens.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between two points 10 metres either side of its northern junction with Edmond Gardens.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to A-Plant Lux on 01698 745069, scotlandtraffic@aplant.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the southern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – C93C Borrowstone Road

Start Date and Time : 30 June 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 01 July 2018 19:00

Location : C93C Borrowstone Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 until 19:00 on 30 June, 2018, and from 07:00 until 19:00 1 July, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and Westholme Cottage.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to AWPR Construction Joint Venture on 0800 058 8350, or community@awprcjv.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and B979 Kirkton of Skene-Tyrebagger.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Old Skene Road

Start Date and Time : 06 August 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 11 August 2018 22:00

Location : Old Skene Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 6th August, 2018, until 22:00 on 11th August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from the entrance to Kingswood House to the gable end of number 72 Old Skene Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during manhole repair work.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Borrowstone Road

Start Date and Time : 26 June 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 17 July 2017 17:00

Location : Borrowstone Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following roads;

The C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between Westholme and Hillside, from 07:00 on 26 June, 2018, until 17:00 on 27 June, 2018, and from 07:00 until 17:00 on 10 July, 2018, and from 07:00 until 17:00 on 17 July, 2018.

There will also be a 20mph speed limit enforced on the same stretch of road from 07:00 on 10 July, 2018, until 17:00 on 17 July, 2018.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surface dressing works being carried out by Aberdeen City Council.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Ross Crescent

Start Date and Time : 09 July 2018 10:00
End Date and Time : 09 July 2018 22:00

Location : Ross Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 10:00 until 22:00 on 9th July, 2018 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Ross Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Road and a point 10 metres in a southerly direction.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Road, Arnage Place, and Arnage Drive.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Old Skene Road

Start Date and Time : 18 June 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 24 June 2018 22:00

Location : Old Skene Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 18th June, 2018, until 22:00 on 24th June, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from the entrance to Kingswood House to the gable end of number 72 Old Skene Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during manhole repair work. .

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Sheddocksley Road, Bellfield Road, Kingsford Road, Harthill Place, Auchlea Place

Start Date and Time : 17 May 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 25 May 2018 17:30

Location : Sheddocksley Road, Bellfield Road, Kingsford Road, Harthill Place, Auchlea Place

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Springhill Road and Auchlea Road, and on Wardhead Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 17 May, 2018, until 17:30 on 25 May, 2018.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible, but no through traffic will be allowed.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the following roads from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri; either side of Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Springhill Road and Auchlea Road; either side of Wardhead Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive; either side of Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, between its northern junction with Sheddocksley Road and the southern boundary of number 287 Sheddocksley Drive; either side of Brodinch Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the northern boundary of number 15 Brodinch Place; either side of Bellfield Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 27 Bellfield Road; either side of Brodinch Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 35 Brodinch Road; either side of Kingsford Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 46 Kingsford Road; either side of Harthill Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the eastern boundary of number 1 Harthill Place; and either side of Auchlea Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the driveway of number 1 Auchlea Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Lang Stracht, Springhill Road

Start Date and Time : 30 April 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 15 June 2018 22:00

Location : Lang Stracht, Springhill Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, on to Springhill Road, from 07:30 on 30 April, 2018, to 22:00 on 15 June, 2018.

There will be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 30 April, 2018, to 22:00 on 15 June, 2018.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Also, there will be a prohibition of driving on Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 19 May, 2018, until 22:00 on 20 May, 2018.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during traffic signal refurbishment works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route for vehicles turning onto Springhill Road is available via Fernhill Drive and Greenfern Road. An alternative route for the closure is available via Lang Stracht, Fernhill Drive and Greenfern Road.

Kingswells Broadband Update

With just a few streets in the village unable to receive super fast broadband at speeds of 38Mbps or higher, residents living at those addresses are keen to know if or when they can expect their homes to be connected.

Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney said, “A few more streets have been connected since the New Year but information on the others has been difficult to get hold of. The fact that Digital Scotland’s website typically states that there are no plans to provide a service for at least 12 months right up until a street goes live, just adds to the frustration.”

“I’m pleased to say that I now have an update from Openreach on their current plans for these streets. These are pretty broad timescales, where given, but they are the best available at this point in time. I would suggest you check the status of your address on their website every few weeks”

“All currently available information can be found below. Please note I cannot offer any more detail than this. If you are living in a street which is not mentioned and cannot get the service, please do get in touch as it is possible that a handful of addresses may have been omitted accidentally and I would be happy to flag these up to Openreach.”

Concraig Park/Walk

Works here have not yet commenced. This will be phased over the next 3-6 months but not all premises will go live at the same time due to the numbers involved. It is not possible to identify a timescale for individual addresses.

Wellside Circle

All addresses are connected with the exception of Nos 35-38. These premises will be upgraded abut no timescale is currently available.

Wellside Place

All addresses are connected with the exception of Nos 1-8. These premises will be upgraded abut no timescale is currently available.

Derbeth Park

All addresses are connected with the exception of Nos 34, 36, 38 & 40. These premises will be upgraded abut no timescale is currently available.

Derbeth Grange

The homes which are connected to the TPON network (via Cabinet 21) remain outstanding. No information was given on these and this matter is being pursued.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – C93C Borrowstone Road

Start Date and Time : 23 March 2018 20:00
End Date and Time : 26 March 2018 06:00

Location : C93C Borrowstone Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 20:00 on 23 March, 2018, until 06:00 on 26 March, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and Westholme Cottage.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and B979 Kirkton of Skene-Tyrebagger.

Council Rejects Bid To Tackle Obstructive Parking

Aberdeen City Council last week rejected a notice of motion by Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney to request powers for City Wardens to deal with obstruction offences.

If someone parks over your driveway, effectively blocking you in, Police Scotland are currently the body you need to contact to request action.

With significant pressures on police time and much higher priority crimes to deal with, they are not always able to to attend. Steve’s proposal was merely asking the council to write to the Scottish Government requesting they decriminalise the offence of obstructing a dropped kerb as has been done with parking on yellow lines.

He said, “Decriminalisation of yellow lines has been a great success. Rather than relying on police to patrol parking offences, the City Wardens are able to offer a more reactive service, which gets the message across to people that parking on yellow lines is not acceptable in terms of road safety”.

“This proposal was intended to assist people who get blocked in and making the small minority of drivers who park carelessly think again before straddling across a driveway”.

Steve made it clear to councillors that this was not about increasing the number of City Wardens or putting pressure on budgets. It was about making use of the existing team as they went about their daily duties. Obstructions do not occur in large numbers, but when they do, they create major difficulties for residents who can’t get out of their driveways.

He added, “I was really surprised to see a lack of consensus on this matter. Anti-social parking which prevents residents from getting out of their driveway is already an offence, it’s just not always receiving the hoped for response, for understandable reasons. This proposal would have increased response rates by deploying staff who were in the area anyway”.

Unfortunately Labour, Conservative, SNP and Independent councillors failed to support the proposals.

Steve Delaney Thanks Residents & Council Staff For Prompt Action During Floods

Photo taken on 6th March by a local resident

Yesterday’s heavy downpour combined with melting snow caused chaos across the North East, including flooding in our own area. The rain came down at a horrendous rate and, in some case drains were unable to cope, with sections of the Lang Stracht under water as it had been in 2012. The worst hit areas were the Den of Maidencraig Nature Reserve and Old Skene Road in Kingswells.

In both instances local councillor Steve Delaney was alerted by local residents during yesterday’s council budget meeting. He immediately brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Executive and senior staff who left the meeting to put into place emergency procedures. In addition, a local resident made Hazlehead Academy aware of the situation.

Steve said, “I would like to thank local residents for their prompt action, which prevented these incidents from getting worse than they already ere. Both property and lives could have been at risk had it not been for their quick thinking and prompt action”.

In Kingswells local residents helped dig ditches to divert the water in advance of council teams arriving on site.

Hazlehead Academy staff mobilised to try to divert children from crossing at Maidencraig and assisted those who were already there.

Council squads arrived quickly to evaluated both scenarios and prioritise emergency works to ensure safety.

Steve added, “I extend also like to extend my thanks for council employees for the part they played in yesterday’s operation.

Flood prevention measures planned for the Summerhill area should hopefully eliminate such occurrences in that area but clearly the drainage situation in Old Skene Road needs to be investigated, something I has already been requested.

The photographs below came from a video of Old Skene Road, Kingswells which was made by a local resident.







Lib Dems’ Motion On Winter Maintenance

Countless residents have raised concerns over snow clearing operations by Aberdeen City Council during the wintry weather which prevailed during December.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “The main routes were kept clear and for the most part the city was able to keep moving. Unfortunately gritting and clearing of pavements during the previous cold snap left a lot to be desired.”

“There were also a number of complaints relating to how individual operations were carried out in specific streets.”

“The fact that people were stranded in their homes as a result of icy pavements is something which needs to be addressed.”

In response to these and other concerns raised across the city, Councillor Ian Yuill, leader of the Aberdeen Lib Dem Group, has submitted a notice of motion to the 5th March council meeting. It reads as follows:-

That this council:

1. Thanks all staff involved in carrying out winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearing) during the recent cold weather

2. Recognises that many people expressed concern at the slippery condition of many pavements for lengthy periods during the recent cold weather

3. Expresses concern that over 400 requests from residents and community groups for one tonne bags of salt remained unfulfilled at the end of January and that people are now being told they will not receive these bags of salt until winter 2018/19.

4. Notes that officers will be reporting to the appropriate committee on 2017/18 Winter Maintenance Operations.

5. Instructs officers to report by October 2018 on how winter maintenance operations could be improved by:

a. Considering whether additional pavement ploughs / grit spreaders are required and advising on the financial and staffing implications of that.
b. How an appropriate network of grit bins could be provided across Aberdeen.
c. A review of the mechanism for providing one tonne bags of salt to individuals and community groups to ensure these are provided timeously.
d. Considering how best to provide residents and community groups with bulk bags of salt smaller than one tonne in size.
e. Considering how appropriate snow clearing equipment could be provided to community and residents’ groups who wish to make use of such equipment.

Steve said, “This isn’t about looking to unfairly criticise anyone. After all, no matter how much effort the council puts into snow clearing we’ll never be 100% happy. It’s always going to be challenging getting out in wintry weather.”

“It also has to be acknowledged that all of us (who are able bodied) have a role to play in this by keeping the footways beside our own homes clear.”

“I for one appreciate all the hard work undertaken by those working day and night to keep our city moving. However, the intent of this motion is to acknowledge that there were problems and look at how best we can learn from these. We need to look at what we can easily address ourselves such as availability and size of salt bags, availability of grit bins and how the council can help people to help themselves.”

“We also need to take stock and look, with an open mind, at how other areas have overcome some of the difficulties we faced, especially in respect of icy pavements and learn from best practice elsewhere. Just because this is how we’ve dealt with the past 10 or 15 winters doesn’t mean we should keep doing things the same way in the future.”

“The current weather which is engulfing the entire country this week is exceptional and and is stretching resources everywhere. Regardless of the need to learn lessons from the situation which prevailed during December I would like to put on record my thanks to the crews who are currently battling against the elements to keep our city moving and to keep us safe”.

The notice of motion will be taken towards the end of Monday’s meeting and it is hoped that everyone can get on board.

Scottish Water Consultation

Scottish Water is asking its customers in communities throughout Scotland to help shape water and waste water services in a major consultation.

They are launching a six month long programme which will define service and spending priorities over the next 25 years.

The utility – the fourth biggest in the UK which supplies 1.35 billion litres of fresh clean water a day to its five million customers – is inviting views on its proposals and ambitions for the coming decades.

They are inviting you to participate, have your say and shape the future priorities for Scottish Water.

Stakeholders and communities are being asked to consider three key ambitions which it is proposed will underpin Scottish Water’s activities:

· Delivering a consistently leading customer experience
· Keeping customer prices low by driving further innovation and efficiency through smart investment choices
· Increasing the reliability, resilience and sustainability of their services to new and emerging challenges

Full details of the ambitions are set out in a new publication – Shaping the Future; they highlight how Scottish Water aims to focus on delivering high quality, great-tasting drinking water, manage and treat waste water, reduce rainwater entering sewers and protect the environment.

They are also asking you to consider how Scottish Water supports growth in Scotland’s economy and population through expansion of its infrastructure and networks. The organisation is also seeking views on how it becomes more resource efficient, low carbon and socially sustainable.

Issues such as the impact of climate change and the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and innovation will be factors in their future activities.

The consultation can be completed online at www.yourwater.scot

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Regensburg Court

Start Date and Time : 01 March 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 31 August 2019 23:00

Location : Regensburg Court

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 1 March, 2018, until 23:00 on 31 August, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting for any purpose on the road on the schedule below.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measure is necessary to prevent obstructive parking and thereby ensure emergency vehicle access.

Schedule Unnamed access road to Regensburg Court West side, from its junction with Kingsford Road, northwards, then eastwards and then southwards for a distance of 77 metres or thereby.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – SUMMERHILL ROAD

Start Date and Time : 12 February 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 23 February 2018 22:00

Location : SUMMERHILL ROAD

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 12th February, 2018, until 22:00 on 23rd February, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between the gable end of number 71 Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 81 and 83 Summerhill Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during Scottish Water works.

New Emergency Road Closure Imposed – B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger

Start Date and Time : 15 January 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 24 January 2018 18:00

Location : B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger

Description : B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger between the A96 Inverurie Road and the C92C Clinterty Road from Monday 15/1/18 to Friday 19/1/18.

C92C Clinterty Road between the B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger and Clinterty caravan park from Friday 19/1/18 to Wednesday 24/1/18.

Alternate Route : Alternative route via A96 Inverurie Road, Auchmill Road, Great Northern Road, A90 North Anderson Drive, A944 Lang Stracht, Skene Road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – U205C Lang Stracht

Start Date and Time : 03 February 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 11 February 2018 22:00

Location : U205C Lang Stracht

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 3 February, 2018, until 22:00 on 4 February, 2018, and from 07:30 on 10 February, 2018, until 22:00 on 11 February, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage.

An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

New Temporary Traffic Order- C89C Chapel of Stoneywood Road

Start Date and Time : 18 January 2018 18:00
End Date and Time : 26 April 2018 00:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 18:00 on 18 January, 2018, until 00:00 on 26 April, 2018, is to impose a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and Kingswells Crescent.

There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres at the junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road on to the two new access roads approximately 75 metres north east of Dykeside Steading.

The measures are necessary to protect public safe

End of Temporary Traffic Order – U205C LANG STRACHT

Start Date and Time : 13 January 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 21 January 2018 22:00

Location : U205C LANG STRACHT

Description : THE ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL (U205C LANG STRACHT, ABERDEEN) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2018 Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 13 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 14 January, 2018, and from 07:30 on 20 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 21 January, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

Start Date and Time : 17 June 2017 00:00
End Date and Time : 25 April 2018 00:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood – Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 00:00 on 17 June, 2017, until 00:00 on 26 April, 2018, is to impose a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and Kingswells Crescent.

There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres at the junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road on to the two new access roads approximately 75 metres north east of Dykeside Steading.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during the movement of construction vehicles associated with the AWPR.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – U205C LANG STRACHT

Start Date and Time : 13 January 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 21 January 2018 22:00

Location : U205C LANG STRACHT

Description : THE ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL (U205C LANG STRACHT, ABERDEEN) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2018. Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 13 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 14 January, 2018, and from 07:30 on 20 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 21 January, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Broadiach Road

Start Date and Time : 15 January 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 26 January 2018 17:00

Location : Brodiach Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 15th January, 2018, until 17:00 on 26th January, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Brodiach Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Westhill Road and A944 Skene Road.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during Drainage works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Westhill Road, Westhill Drive and A944.

30mph Speed Restriction on the C128c comes into force from 11 December 2017 until 10 June 2019


Countesswells Development Limited have applied for a temporary speed restriction of 30 mph along the C128c.

THE ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
(C128C CULTS-KINGSHILL, C128C KIRK BRAE,
C127C BLACKTOP ROAD, ABERDEEN)
(TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTION) ORDER 2017

Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 05:00 on 11 December, 2017, until 24:00 on 10 June, 2019, is to impose a temporary 30mph speed restriction on the C128C Cults-Kingshill, Aberdeen, and the C128C Kirk Brae, Aberdeen, between a point 60 metres south of its junction with the access road to Nether Fifeshill, and a point 55 metres south of its junction with Countesswells Road.

There will also be a 30mph speed restriction on the C127C Blacktop Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the C128C Cults-Kingshill, and a point 40 metres west of this junction.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety while a permanent order is progressed.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Road, inset road

Start Date and Time : 30 November 2017 08:00
End Date and Time : 30 November 2017 22:00

Location : Mastrick Road, inset road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 until 22:00 on 30th November, 2017 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Mastrick Road, Aberdeen, on the inset road to numbers 37 to 47 Mastrick Road from the junction of the main carriageway of Mastrick road and a point 10 metres southwards.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Ross Crescent, Willowpark Crescent and North Anderson Drive inset road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Road

Start Date and Time : 29 November 2017 08:00
End Date and Time : 01 December 2017 22:00

Location : Mastrick Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Mastrick Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Ross Crescent and North Anderson Drive from 08:00 on 29 November, 2017, until 22:00 on 1 December, 2017.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Fairley Road

Start Date and Time : 16 October 2017 08:00
End Date and Time : 29 October 2017 22:00

Location : Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 16 October, 2017, until 22:00 on 29 October, 2017, is to impose a temporary one-way restriction on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the link road to the C89C and Kingswood Drive.

The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only. There will also be a prohibition of waiting at any time on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 39 and 41 Fairley Road, to the junction with the link road to the C89C.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection replacement works and ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Alternate Route : An alternative route for southbound vehicles is available via the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, and the link road to the C89C

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Fairley Road

Start Date and Time : 09 October 2017 08:00
End Date and Time : 22 October 2017 22:00

Location : Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 9 October, 2017, until 22:00 on 22 October, 2017, is to impose a temporary one-way restriction on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the link road to the C89C and Kingswood Drive.

The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only. There will also be a prohibition of waiting at any time on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 39 and 41 Fairley Road, to the junction with the link road to the C89C. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection replacement works and ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Alternate Route : An alternative route for southbound vehicles is available via the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, and the link road to the C89C

40Mph Speed Limit on A944 Now In Force

With effect from Monday 18th September 2017 the speed limit on the remaining sections of the A944 will be reduced from 50mph to 40mph.

This decision was taken by Aberdeen City Council on 24th January 2017 in respect of the A944 from the end of the 30mph zone at the new Maidencraig development and the B1119 from the end of the 30mph limit at Hazlehead. In both cases the change applies from these points to the Kingswells roundabout, effectively creating a 40mph limit to the city boundary.

The speed limit is being introduced in respect of road safety following a number of serious accidents and fatalities, to avoid confusion to motorists by creating a continuous 40mph zone and also in recognition of the changing character of the area towards residential with the Maidencraig and Countesswells developments.

Steve Delaney said, “as residents know, I have campaigned for a number of years to have the speed limit reduced to 40mph on safety grounds. Since the reduction on the section from Kingswells to Westhill there have thankfully been no further fatalities and no serious accidents, accepting that there have been a number of less serious incidents at the Kingswells roundabout, which I still maintain needs to be further improved”.

“In addition, the average speed has reduced considerably on a stretch of road were many drivers had previously been clocked at 70mph or faster”.

“When the previous speed reduction came into force a number of motorists were fined for speeding as a result of waning signs not going up until after the date of change. I received assurances that this will not happen again and have been informed that electronic signs will be in place from 18th September for a week to inform motorists of the change. The information is also on the Council’s website and was press released last week”.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Eday Road, Bressay Brae, Lang Stracht, Skye Road

A New Temporary Traffic Order has been imposed with the following details :

Start Date and Time : 26 September 2017 05:30
End Date and Time : 30 September 2017 22:00

Location : Eday Road, Bressai Brae, Lang Stracht, Skye Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 05:30 on 26 September, 2017, until 22:00 on 30 September, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Eday Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Rousay Drive and Eday Gardens. There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 08:00-17:00 daily. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a 10mph speed restriction on Eday Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Rousay Drive and Eday Gardens. Also, there will be a prohibition of waiting at any time on either side of Bressay Brae, Aberdeen, between its junction with Lang Stracht and the western boundary of number 30 Bressay Brae. There will be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, on to Bressay Brae.

There will be a one-way restriction on Skye Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Raasay Gardens. The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works on Eday Road, and to maintain traffic flow on the diversion route.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Bressay Brae and Lang Stracht.

Broadband Update For Kingswells

This week there’s a combination of good and bad news regarding the rollout of fibre broadband in Kingswells, but there’s a lot going on, which is why this special update is being released.

Cabinet 11 Capacity Addressed

The good news is that capacity was extended for Cabinet 11 users a couple of weeks ago. This area was upgraded over a year ago, but insufficient capacity was installed to allow all households who wanted the service to receiver the faster service. Councillor Steve Delaney raised this issue with Openreach and was initially informed it could take up to 9 months to resolve. Thankfully it has happened much sooner.

The streets which could potentially be affected are: – Kingswood Road, Kingswood Crescent, Kingswood Gardens, Kingswood Avenue, Kingswood Path, Kingswood Walk, Kingswood Grove, Fairley Road, Edmond Gardens, Whiterashes, Denview Wynd and possibly some other streets in this area.

Steve said, “It just seems plain daft that they would upgrade an area where people were either getting the slowest speeds in the UK or, in some cases, no connection at all, without installing sufficient capacity from day one. I have no idea if the cabinet will have sufficient capacity for everyone who wants to connect, but additional connections have been added”.

“I’d suggest if you live in these streets, want high speed broadband and have been unable to order it previously, that you place your order quickly”.

Derbeth Grange Connection Issues

The addresses in Derbeth Grange which are connected to TPON (about 60 homes) will be upgraded to fibre later this year. No firm timetable has been published to date. The same goes for other areas connected to TPON with the exception of Derbeth Park (see below).

However, the households in Derbeth Grange currently connected directly to the exchange (about 60 homes with the slowest speeds) had been upgraded a couple of months ago. However, a fault in the new cabinet 28 has resulted in some addresses not being able to be connected. As a result, some residents have placed orders, had these orders accepted, then either been told their line cannot be upgraded or indeed been cut off completely.

Steve said, “I’ve been in discussions with Openreach on this matter over the past few weeks. The fault has now been traced and the website updated to advise that the service is not currently available. I am unsure of the technical detail, suffice to say I have been advised it is not going to be possible to fix the fault. Options are being looked into but it will take at least three months to implement an alternative solution”.

Derbeth Park Infrastructure Works Are Now Underway

Works to upgrade Derbeth Park to super fast broadband are currently underway with the cabling and infrastructure being put in place. In order to receive the service a box needs to be attached to each property and permission is required from home owners. Openreach have already fitted several of these and are continuing works into next week and possibly beyond.

Steve said, “Derbeth Park will be the first of the streets in the TPON area to be upgraded to fibre broadband with speeds of potentially 300Mbps (though packages on offer may vary). I have received assurances from Openreach that any residents who are not at home when they call requesting permission to fit these boxes will be left contact details outlining how to get in touch to arrange for the works to be undertaken”.

You can track the status for broadband upgrades in respect of any address in Kingswells by logging on to www.scotlandsuperfast.com

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road

Start Date and Time : 25 August 2017 20:00
End Date and Time : 28 August 2017 06:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 20:00 on 25 August, 2017, until 06:00 on 28 August, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and the U304C Kingswells Crescent.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the C88C Newhills Road, Kepplehills Road, Inverurie Road, the A96 Inverurie Road, Auchmill Road, Great Northern Road, the A90 North Anderson Drive, and the A944 Lang Stracht, Skene Road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Road

Start Date and Time : 19 August 2017 08:00
End Date and Time : 19 August 2017 22:00

Location : Mastrick Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 until 22:00 on 19 August, 2017 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Ross Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Road and a point 10 metres in a southerly direction.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Mastrick Road, Aberdeen, between the junction of Derry Avenue and the gable end of number 50 Mastrick Road. The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Road, Arnage Place, and Arnage Drive

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – OLD SKENE ROAD

An existing Temporary Traffic Order has been modified. The details are as follows :

Start Date and Time : 28 August 2017 05:30
End Date and Time : 01 September 2017 22:00

Location : OLD SKENE ROAD

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate 05:30 on 28 August, 2017, until 22:00 on 1 September, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the entire length of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from its junction with Fairley Road in an easterly direction.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible There will also be a temporary prohibition of waiting on the entire length of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from its junction with Fairley Road in an easterly direction, from 08:00-17:00 Mon-Fri. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works.

Council Needs To Sort Out Bin Collections!


In March this year Aberdeen City Council started rolling out the new mixed recycling collections across the city. As we all know, this has resulted in our existing 240L black bins becoming recycling bins and being replaced by 180L bins for unrecyclable rubbish. All households were also given access to food and (if appropriate) garden waste collections, including rural properties which had, to date, been excluded from recycling collections.

The introduction of the new service was long overdue as people wanted to recycle more, but the recycling facilities in Aberdeen were very poor and the system in place did not make it easy for people to recycle. It took about three months to cover all addresses so you’d think that, subject to a few hiccups, it would have settled down by now. Regrettably, this does not appear to have been the case.

The Implementation Phase

Lib Dem Environment Spokesman Steve Delaney said, “We’ve been screaming out for a better recycling service for years but its introduction has been nothing less than chaotic. In some areas, mostly flats but also areas where there was inadequate ground space to accommodate the number of bins, it was obvious other solutions such as communal facilities would be needed. However, rather than return to base and report the issue, the crews just dumped the bins on the street regardless. Surely it would have made more sense to re-examine options for these addresses at the end of the programme?”

“By way of an example, I alerted the Council to the need for communal bins in a section of North Anderson Drive and the inability to store this volume of individual bins at this location due to lack of ground space. This information was passed on some weeks prior to the roll out, yet the individual bins were delivered regardless and residents are now being told it may take up to a year until communal bins are put in place. It’s an absolute disgrace”.

Rural Properties Being Missed

He continued, “I’ve also had complaints from rural properties in Kingswells which are being routinely missed out of recycling uplifts, despite having been provided with the bins. Some addresses are being done, others are being missed and some of these are within sight of each other. The Council response has acknowledged they are aware of ‘a handful of outstanding issues’ and confirmed they are working towards resolving these. If you live in one of the rural properties around Kingswells and are still experiencing difficulties, please let me know”.

Assisted Uplifts Were Not On The System

Steve added, “In addition, the Council uplifts a number of bins from addresses where people are unable to put out their own bins as a result of infirmity or significant physical disability. These too were being missed as the software designed to manage the routes did not flag up these addresses. It wasn’t until I raised this that a manual system was put in place in an attempt to resolve matters. This was reported as a result of a couple in their nineties not having their bin collected for several weeks. I’ve since been assured the software issues have now been addressed, but if you know differently, please let me know”.

Brown Bins Left Lying For Days

Steve said, “Then there’s the issue with brown bin uplifts where bins are being left lying for days, sometimes longer, before they get picked up. The Council has blamed the increase in recycling, the highest ever in Aberdeen between April and June, and the challenges this creates during the rollout of a new service. Could this not have reasonably been anticipated with the increase in the different types of materials which can now be recycled? I’m advised the capacity issue is now being addressed, but it may be another 2-3 weeks until matters are fully resolved”.

Dumped Rubbish And Fire Risks

He said, “Just to cap it all, the Council has recently suspended the uplift of bulky items with no advance warning in order to try to clear the backlog of missed collections. As people put items out for collection outside their homes, my fear is that this will attract fly tipping. Requests for bulky goods uplifts will resume from 31 July but I suspect the backlog will take many more weeks to clear”.

“A constituent yesterday raised concerns that the mattress she had put outside her home for collection might be set on fire after being told that collections have been suspended. Following on from the Grenfell tragedy we need to re-evaluate everything we do in respect of minimising any potential fire risk and keeping people safe”.

‘At an absolute minimum the Council needs to communicate any intentions to suspend future bulky uplifts in advance and risk assess any applications received during a suspension period from a safety perspective. I am currently pressing for assurances on these points”.

Furious…

“To say that I’m absolutely furious would be an understatement! The new refuse collection service was planned out over a long period of time, yet the foreseeable and obvious difficulties do not appear to have been built into the delivery plan”.

“Even accepting that some unforeseen difficulties have arisen, I’m appalled the Council appears to have lost control of the situation and is only now, five months after the new service commenced its roll out, that there appears to be an end in sight”.

“Please rest assured I will be happy to follow up on any further concerns until matters are fully resolved. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you are experiencing ongoing issues with bin collections”.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Summerhill Road

Start Date and Time : 28 August 2017 07:30
End Date and Time : 08 September 2017 22:00

Location : Summerhill Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 28 August, 2017, until 22:00 on 8 September, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Summerhill Drive and Summerhill Terrace. There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 79 and 81 to the boundary between 75 and 77 Summerhill Road. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during Scottish Water works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Summerhill Drive and Summerhill Terrace.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Arnage Place

Start Date and Time : 17 July 2017 07:30
End Date and Time : 17 July 2017 22:00

Location : Arnage Place

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 until 22:00 on 17 July, 2017 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Arnage Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Road and a point 10 metres in a southerly direction. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Road, Ross Crescent, and Arnage Drive.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Burnbrae Crescent

Start Date and Time : 07 August 2017 07:30
End Date and Time : 11 August 2017 22:00

Location : Burnbrae Crescent

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 7 August, 2017, until 22:00 on 11 August, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Burnbrae Crescent, Aberdeen, from the gable end of number 19 Burnbrae Crescent to the boundary between numbers 21-31 and 33-43 Burnbrae Crescent. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during Openreach works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Springhill Road, Lang Stracht, Fernhill Drive and Burnbrae Avenue.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – A994 Skene Road

Start Date and Time : 17 June 2017 00:00
End Date and Time : 12 October 2017 22:00

Location : A994 Skene Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 00:00 on 17 June, 2017, until 22:00 on 12 October, 2017, is to impose a temporary prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from, and also on to, the A944 Skene Road, Aberdeen, from a point 125m west of its junction with Kingswells Causeway to a point 125m east of its junction with the B9119 Tarland Road.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Westhill Drive Roundabout and the A944 Skene Road, or via Kingswells Roundabout and the A944 Skene Road.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – C89C Chapel of Stoneywood – Fairley Road

Start Date and Time : 17 June 2017 00:00
End Date and Time : 11 January 2018 18:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood – Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 00:00 on 17 June, 2017, until 18:00 on 11 January, 2018, is to impose a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and Kingswells Crescent.

There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres at the junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road on to the two new access roads approximately 75 metres north east of Dykeside Steading.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during the movement of construction vehicles associated with the AWPR.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Gairsay Road

Start Date and Time : 12 June 2017 07:30
End Date and Time : 11 December 2018 18:00

Location : Gairsay Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order, which will operate from 07.30 on 12 June, 2017, until 18:00 on 11 December, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting at any time on either side of Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, from a point 10m west of lighting pole number 5 to a point 20m east of lighting pole number 5.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting between 07:30 and 18:00 Mon-Fri, on either side of Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, from its junction with Stronsay Drive to a point 20m east of lighting pole number 5. The measure is necessary to protect public safety at to maintain access to a construction site.