Cars could be banned from Aberdeen’s Golden Square

A SHAKE-UP in parking rules could see Aberdeen commuters who hog spaces all day targeted.

And cars could now be banned from parking at Aberdeen’s Golden Square and Bon Accord Square to enhance pedestrian space.

Aberdeen City Council voted to take control of Golden Square from the British Legion in May.

Now, the council’s draft development framework said: “Although parking is to be removed from these squares, it is not intended to reduce the balance of car parking provision throughout the city centre.”

The report also warned Aberdeen’s planned bypass must not lead to more cars flooding the streets.

“Without further intervention it is highly likely that these benefits would be quickly eroded due to ongoing traffic growth,” the report said.

The transport strategy aims to encourage greater use of park-and-ride services in and around Aberdeen as well as an overhaul of parking charges so they favour shorter stays.

The aim is to create a greater turnover of shoppers and business visitors in Aberdeen – and to protect residents’ ability to park near their homes.