New HGV restrictions sought on Aberdeen harbour route

A call has been made for new restrictions on lorries travelling to and from Aberdeen's south harbour with communities claiming they feel "battered" by HGVs.

Aberdeen City Council (ACC) said it had taken on board their concerns about the vehicles travelling through residential areas.

A proposed link road to the south of the city - including upgraded sections of existing routes and a new bridge over the Aberdeen to Dundee railway line - is now expected to be completed in 2028.

ACC said it had written to the Scottish government to request additional civic enforcement powers to deter lorries driving through residential areas and would raise local concerns once again.

David Fryer, of Torry Community Council, said he felt the area had been badly affected.

"This is your 30, 40, 50 tonners - and then you get abnormal loads," he said.

"We feel the residential communities, particularly Torry, has been battered very hard, and folk over the years have made reference to this.

"We're looking to see how our communities can be safe - but you don't just do that with signs, you need effective enforcement."

Independent councillor Marie Boulton asked if CCTV cameras could be set up to catch any HGV drivers who were not using designated routes to and from the south harbour.

Committee convenor, Ian Yuill, said the issue of cameras was one of the subjects raised with the Scottish government because local authorities did not have enforcement powers which were a matter for the police at present.

ACC also agreed to look into the feasibility, costs and potential funding options for a new section of footway on the east side of the Coast Road between Burnbanks village and Burnbanks railway bridge.