Transport projects worth more than £2million which will help people to do more walking, wheeling, and cycling - or work towards net zero goals - were yesterday (24 May 2023) unanimously approved by a council committee.
The work that will be supported by the Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE) fund includes existing projects such as Glashieburn School path, Crematorium link pavement, bus shelter replacements, Low Emission Zone management, cycle counter network expansion, core path priority works, pavement repairs due to tree roots or growth, Hazlehead Park Footpath Improvement, Seaton Park improvements, and Castlegate improvements.
New active travel projects to be funded for the 2023/24 financial year after agreement at Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee include:
- Segregated cycle lanes along the full length of Craigshaw Drive;
- Offshore Europe signage, traffic management and staffing, shuttle bus services, bus shelters, the promotion and direction of delegates to the park and ride sites;
- River Don Path Flood Damage Mitigation Woodside to Persley;
- Denburn Restoration project will improve biodiversity and increase people’s connection to nature;
- Use of Big Issue Sharebike ebike hire scheme for Council staff to use while working;
- Secure bicycle storage units adjacent to high rise multi-storey housing blocks;
- Repairs to Back Wynd Stairs;
- Hazeldene Road to Craigiebuckler Avenue pavement renovation;
- Craigiebuckler Avenue to Springfield Road pavement renovation;
- Johnston Gardens West-Rubislaw Park Road-Viewfield Gardens pavement improvements;
- Deeside Way Footpath Step Access Project;
- New tarmacadam link path in Hazlehead Park;
- Allan Park, Park Brae, Cults pavement improvements ;
- Funding towards school transport associated with Gaelic education and the supported bus service for Kingswells.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The Council wants to help more people to take part in active travel.
“These projects will also make a difference in encouraging people to walk, cycle, or wheel more about the city as part of their everyday lives.”
Committee Vice-Convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “The projects agreed today, funded by bus lane penalty notices, are all fantastic ways to help the city on its journey to Net Zero, while supporting communities across our city.
“Our aspiration to be the Net Zero Capital of the world needs us to have every community involved in making that happen. I look forward to hearing updates on these projects in the coming months, and seeing how they benefit folk across Aberdeen.”
A report to Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee said the BLE fund is generated from the net surplus of penalty charge notices from bus lane offences after operational costs. This funding can only be used for Aberdeen City Council projects identified as helping to meet the objectives of the Local Transport Strategy, as per legal requirements.
More details on the projects can be found at Agenda for Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee on Wednesday, 24th May, 2023, 3.00 pm.