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Council shows new speed reduction proposals


By Sean McAngus

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A concerned community turned out in large numbers in Newburgh at a public consultation on traffic management and parking.

Aberdeenshire Council held a meeting at the Newburgh Village Hall to show the public their new traffic management order plans for Main Street which aim to improve road safety.

The proposals showed measures which include the possible introduction of formalised on-street parking, a build out to assist pedestrians crossing and parking restrictions to assist in the flow of traffic.

At the meeting residents in Newburgh expressed their worry at speeding and lack of parking in the village.

Resident Eileen Emslie warmed council officials that they need to take action before someone gets hurt.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: "The proposals are ok.

"They say that there is no speeding on the road going into the village but I have lived here for seven years and see it regularly.

"It will take some child getting killed for something to happen.

"They need to realise that the traffic has changed and new housing has been put in which has increased the number of vehicles using the roads.

"It is very difficult to park near our house which is near the Main Street, never mind on the road itself."

Previous plans were objected to by Foveran Community Council (FCC), citing concerns that a loss of parking would impact local businesses, residents and even lead to "perverse outcome " of traffic speeds increasing due to the lack of parked cars on the relatively narrow route.

The FCC then appealed for the council to reconsider previously dismissed plans to reduce the speed limit on Main Street to 20mph which was backed by a 200 signatures on a petition in 2017.

But Council officials do not support the proposal stating it is against Council and national roads policy and guidelines.

A council spokesperson told the Advertiser: "It is all about showing the proposals to the public and getting their feedback.

"Our proposals hope to slow down vehicles and give more parking for residents."

Next Tuesday councillors will be presented with findings from the consultation at the Formartine Area Committee at the Kirk Centre, Ellon.

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