Glasgow shoppers to face one-way system on Buchanan Street
One of Scotland’s busiest shopping streets could be transformedbya“one-waysystem”, with signs and pavement stickers to encourage pedestrians to walk on one side of the road.
Glasgow City Council is working on plans that could see signage temporarily put in place on Buchanan Street and other city centre pedestrian precincts as part of the local authority’s coronavirus response.
The idea, similar to one already in place in Cardiff city centre, is to encourage pedestrians to stay on the left-hand side of the street as far as possible.
It is believed that by directing the flow of pedestrians, it will be easier to get around and maintain social distancing.
The signs and stickers would work alongside the queuing measures already put in place by high street shops.
Under the proposed one-way system, pedestrians would be encouraged to stay on the lefthand side and only cross over to other side if they had to.
Council officers are still working on the details of the scheme, which is at an early stage.
Measures are also being taken by the Edinburgh City Council.
To “facilitate social distancing”, the council is looking to “suspend all parking places apart from loading bays and disabled persons’ parking places” on main roads in and around Corstorphine, Easter Road and Great Junction Street, Gorgie and Dalry, Minto Street, Morningside and Bruntsfield, Portobello, Queensferry, Stockbridge and Tollcross.
Non-essential shops in Scotland reopened from Monday and shopping centres will be allowed to open fully from 15 July.
With some non-essential retailers across Scotland now permitted to reopen, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), along with trade union Usdaw and the Scottish Government, are encouraging people to follow these five steps for “considerate shopping”.
Thesestepsaretoqueueconsiderately, maintain social distancing, follow instructions inside and outside shops, follow hygiene measures, and be respectful to staff.
Ms Sturgeon has also advised people to wear face coverings as well when shopping.
The Scottish Government website states: “When you enter enclosed spaces, where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact with multiple people who are not members of your household, you should wear a face covering.”
Examples include entering shops or businesses, and visits to a care home for the elderly.