Pedestrian works ignoring disabled

SIR, – Regarding reports (Press and Journal, April 12 and 20) that there are plans to extend pedestrianisation in Aberdeen to Justice Mill Lane (pictured), Langstane Place and Windmill Brae.

I can understand why this is generally welcomed as significant pedestrianisation is a feature of most successful cities. However, as a disabled driver and blue badge holder, I feel that more consideration has to be given to disabled access than in existing pedestrianised areas.

Pedestrianisation areas are designated restricted zones. A feature of restricted zones is that they have no yellow lines because this looks better and they cost less to maintain.

The absence of yellow lines means that, unlike normal streets, wardens have no flexibility as regards parking by blue badge holders who can only park on disabled parking bays. There are few of these, sometimes none, in the restricted zones.

Since no disabled parking is permitted in Union Street the proposed pedestrianisation of the streets parallel to Union Street and the connecting streets will exclude blue badge holders from a large section of the city centre. If the council carries on like this it might as well add a sign saying “Disabled Drivers Keep Out” to the restricted zone signs at the entrance to pedestrianised areas.

I am sure nobody intends that the disabled be excluded from restaurants, bars and other facilities in Aberdeen city centre. If this is an unintended consequence of pedestrianisation then better planning of disabled access is needed before further pedestrianisation is implemented.

Dr Howard Gemmell, Mile-End Avenue, Aberdeen