×
google news

Aberdeenshire Council’s costly temporary crossing: A breakdown of expenses

Exploring the financial implications of a temporary crossing in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Temporary crossing in Aberdeenshire with expense details
Explore the expenses behind Aberdeenshire Council's temporary crossing.

Aberdeenshire Council’s costly temporary crossing: A breakdown of expenses
In a surprising revelation, Aberdeenshire Council has spent over £100,000 on a temporary traffic crossing in Ellon, raising questions about the financial management of public resources. The temporary traffic lights on Golf Road were installed in 2021 to facilitate safe pedestrian access during the construction of new affordable housing at the former Ellon Academy site.

However, after three years of operation, these lights have finally been removed as the permanent crossing is now operational.

Understanding the financial breakdown

A recent freedom of information request has unveiled that the total expenditure for the temporary crossing amounted to £105,100.65.

This substantial sum encompasses not only the initial hire of the traffic lights but also ongoing maintenance and call-out charges. The costs included the removal and reinstallation of the lights during school holidays, ensuring minimal disruption for students and parents.

The necessity of the temporary lights stemmed from the removal of the previous pelican crossing on Golf Road, which was dismantled to create a new access point for the housing development. Council officials emphasized that the temporary solution was essential for ensuring the safety of pedestrians, particularly school children, navigating the busy road.

Impact on local traffic and community safety

While the temporary crossing provided a crucial service for pedestrians, its frequent removal and reinstallation created challenges for local motorists. The lights were often taken down during school holidays, alleviating traffic congestion, but were promptly reinstated at the start of the new term. This cycle of installation and removal contributed significantly to the overall costs incurred by the council.

When the housing project was approved in 2020, there were discussions about replacing the crossing with dropped kerbs. However, local councillors advocated for a new crossing to enhance pedestrian safety, leading to the prolonged use of the temporary lights.

Land acquisition and infrastructure development

One of the key factors contributing to the extended duration of the temporary crossing was the need for land acquisition. A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council clarified that the local authority had to negotiate with the nearby golf club to secure the necessary land for the new crossing installation. This process delayed the transition from the temporary to the permanent solution.

The spokesperson stated, “Our role is to ensure that the infrastructure we provide on the road supports the wider developments in that area.” They highlighted that many of these developments are not directly controlled by the council, complicating the timeline for infrastructure improvements.

Despite the challenges, the new crossing is expected to be a significant improvement over the previous setup, offering enhanced safety features for both pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, a new path through Caroline’s Well Wood has been completed, linking housing to the town center, further promoting safe and accessible routes for residents.


Contacts:

More To Read