Frustration as key Perth road is shut down

Vehicles denied access for more than 18 hours following ‘medical matter’

Police have been criticised for closing off the only car access to George Street in Perth for more than 18 hours.

Officers were called to the Watergate at around 4pm on Sunday after a man suffered injuries to his hand.

However the road remained closed until around 11am yesterday, preventing access to George Street via the official diversion for cars.

During work on part of the city’s High Street, delivery drivers have been diverted along St John Street while cars must use the Watergate.

It is understood that the road remained closed to allow a clean up to take place, however no police vehicles were visible on the street yesterday morning and pedestrians were able to freely access the area.

Shopkeepers in George Street said trade had been slowed by the closure, though some vehicles appeared to have accessed the street via the delivery vehicle diversion.

Fiona McLellan, of Pharos Parcel, said: “Monday is normally our busiest day – we have a lot of people bringing parcels in.

“Today we had a guy bring in a big, heavy parcel and he had to carry it here because he couldn’t get into George Street – nobody has been able to get in.

“The road closure on the High Street has already impacted on business and we were trying to be patient but when the road is closed and there is no alternative access what can we do?”

Barber Campbell Ewan added: “The street is really quiet and not a lot of traffic is coming down.

“I was looking for something big happening as I walked along the Watergate this morning but despite the police road closure sign nothing seemed to be happening.”

Another shop owner, who did not want to be named, said: “I’m sure it caused a lot of frustration for motorists who had to turn round at the signs – some have probably coming down St John Street, even though they are not supposed to.”

Police Scotland confirmed the road had been closed while a medical matter was dealt with.

The police road closure sign at the South Street end of the Watergate.

George Street fell almost silent during the closure.