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High traffic levels expected in city centre

This weekend is expected to be exceptionally busy in Aberdeen as people take advantage of the last few shopping days before Christmas.

Saturday will also see the Dons playing at home to Hibs, with about 8,500 expected to attend the match.

Most car parks were full by 10am on Saturday [10 December] and the council expects a similar situation this weekend. Traffic has become increasingly heavy in the run-up to Christmas, particularly on the Market Street/Virginia Street corridor. Motorists are reminded of the Chapel Street car park, which has had about 300 spaces left empty over the last few Saturdays.

Drivers are reminded that they should heed the rules of the road and not stop or park in box junctions or on double yellow lines to avoid causing extra congestion and delays. Grampian Police’s city centre and roads policing teams will be working with city wardens to ensure traffic flows properly.

The busiest shopping time at the weekend is from late morning to early afternoon. Spreading your day over this period, or doing your shopping outwith this time can help reduce traffic build-up and delays.

Shoppers are reminded of the many transport options open to them.

Walking into town could not only save you money, but it also gives shoppers the opportunity to visit some of the retailers on the edge of the city, including in Rosemount, the West End, King Street, George Street and Holburn Street.

The council is again urging shoppers to make use of the many transport options available to them including: a new Park and Ride facility at Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters; a special Sunday Park and Ride service operating between Kingswells and Bridge of Don; a free retro “hopper” bus serving the city centre; and improved rail links – the 9.41am Glasgow-Aberdeen train will call additionally on Saturdays at Laurencekirk and Stonehaven, and the 9.05 Aberdeen-Edinburgh will call additionally Monday to Saturdays at Laurencekirk, giving a later last train back from Aberdeen on Saturday nights – and extra carriages have been added to the Aberdeen-Inverness service.

Using a taxi can be easier than the bus and work out cheaper for a group. Taxis can use bus lanes, so they can also be one of the quickest ways to get around.

Inspector Gordon McDonald, of the city centre Local Policing Team, said: "The increased volume of shoppers visiting Aberdeen city centre in the run-up to Christmas inevitably leads to more traffic on the roads.

"Where possible we would encourage shoppers to use public transport to help reduce congestion. If people do decide to drive into the city, we would ask that they leave extra time for the journey and expect some delays.

"Working with colleagues from roads policing and the city wardens we will ensure that drivers comply with traffic legislation within the city centre to assist in the free flow of vehicles."

John Morgan, Aberdeen Football Club’s operations manager said: "I would like to remind fans that the Hibs game kicks off at 12.30 and would strenuously advise that extra time be allowed for their journey, particularly if they are planning to travel via Market Street.

“Indeed, supporters who do normally go that route would undoubtedly be better looking at an alternative and try to avoid that area of the city if they possibly can."

Motorists heading for Union Square are reminded of the South College Street car park, which gives direct access to the shopping centre.

Union Square general manager Ryan Manson added: "We look forward to welcoming people through the doors on this last weekend before Christmas. If the last few weeks are anything to go by, we expect it to be another very busy weekend as people rush to finish their festive shopping.

"The city centre can get very busy at this time of year. We'd like to encourage visitors to use public transport where possible and to take advantage of the fact that the train and bus stations are connected to the centre. Union Square will also be open later at night to give people more opportunity to shop at off peak times."

Variable message signs will be posted on the A90 and A944 advising motorists of road conditions in the city and encouraging them to use the Park and Ride services. The inner circle of variable message signs will be used to alert drivers when car parks are reaching capacity. Motorists should pay heed to these signs and head for the nearest available car park.

The city is served by a comprehensive public transport network and the park and ride services provide those who use them with free parking and cheap fares.

Sunday Park and Ride services, with promotional fares of £1.50 flat rate return for adults, including two under 16’s free; and £1.00 flat return for children, are running between Kingswells and Bridge of Don until Christmas. First and Stagecoach day tickets will be accepted. Monday to Saturday Park and Ride services continue as normal.

A temporary Park and Ride facility has been introduced at Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters. Free parking is being provided there and those using the service can take First services 40 and 23, which costs £2 return, Stagecoach service 18 which costs £2 return, or Stagecoach service 40 on Sundays which costs £1.50 return from Westburn Road. All of the tickets include free return travel for two children under 16 if accompanied by an adult.

Stagecoach Bluebird operates services from throughout the north-east to the bus station at Union Square and the Ellon Park and Ride is an ideal service for those travelling in on the A90 from the north.

First Aberdeen operates regular services across Aberdeen seven days a week.

There are more than 5,000 parking spaces throughout the city centre, all within easy walking distance of the main shopping precinct. City centre car parks include: Chapel Street, 500 spaces; Denburn, 326 spaces; West North Street, 165 spaces; Gallowgate, 138 spaces; Trinity Centre, 395 spaces; Shiprow, 365 spaces; Bon Accord Centre - Harriet Street, 370 spaces; Bon Accord Centre - Loch Street, 950 spaces; College Street, 656 spaces; Union Square, 1,210 spaces.

Drivers can now pay for their parking in city council car parks by phone using the new PaybyPhone service, and can top up their tickets without returning to the car. For more information on PayByPhone visit www.paybyphone.co.uk

Motorists are advised to avoid the Market Street/Virginia Street corridor if possible and those who do not need to travel into the city centre are advised to use alternative routes to cross the city.

Those who are planning onward journeys by rail, ferry, bus or plane should allow extra time to reach their departure point as city roads will be busier than usual.

Further information about public transport services is available online at www.travelinescotland.com

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