Agenda item

There is an exempt appendix in the Exempt Appendices section below.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of meeting of the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee of 10 June 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval to progress a programme of projects in the City Centre to be delivered using net surplus from Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the funding received from Transport Scotland via Tier 2 of the Bus Infrastructure Fund in July 2025 to deliver additional bus stopping points and improved passenger facilities at bus stops on Guild Street;

(b)      agree the use of £300,000 of Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be focused on improvements to Carmelite Street as a way to compliment the public transport focused improvements on Guild Street and improve the pedestrian experience (journey and wayfinding) between Union Square and Union Street;

(c)      instruct the Chief Officer - Capital to progress all necessary approvals, permissions, licenses, agreements, and consents required to develop and implement the Carmelite Street proposals as outlined in Appendix 1;

(d)      further improve wayfinding in this area, agree the £200,000 Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be focused on illumination around the new Aberdeen Market building – specifically Carnegie’s Brae and East Green; and

(e)      approve the illumination proposals for Carnegie’s Brae and East Green at Appendix 2, and instruct the Chief Officer – Operations to deliver the project once resurfacing works to Carnegie’s Brae have been completed.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Malik, moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Watson:-

that the Committee –

(1)    note the report;

(2)    instruct the Chief Officer - Finance to provide the Committee with a written submission as to the qualification, if any, around Transport Scotland’s funding via Tier 2 of the Bus Infrastructure Fund in July 2025 given the debate around the qualification around the bus gate monies;  and

(3)    note the decision of SNP to take no action against those facing flooding in Peterculter on 4 February 2026 but are prepared to spend in excess of £500,000 as noted at 2.2 and 2.4 of the report on lighting.

Councillor Brooks, moved as a further amendment, seconded by Councillor Nicoll:-

that the Committee –

(1)    note that the current recommendations for use of these finances do not address citywide priorities;

(2)    agree the use of £300,000 of Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be prioritised for improvements to roads, in particular the remedial action required to address the high number of potholes and sunken ironworks that have developed since the start of January 2026; and

(3)    furthermore, agree the £200,000 Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 to be prioritised on additional street lighting and increased illumination, if required following assessment, in residential areas, in particular those populated by elderly and vulnerable residents (for example, Doolie Ness Pensioners houses, Cove).

In terms of Standing Order 29.20, a vote was taken between the two amendments.

On a division, there voted:- for the amendment by Councillor Malik (2) – Councillors Malik and Watson; for the amendment by Councillor Brooks (2) – Councillors Brooks and Nicoll; declined to vote (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Radley.

As there was a tied vote, in terms of Standing Order 32.7,the Convener had the casting vote, however in terms of Standing Order 32.7.1,the Convener chose not to exercise his casting vote, therefore the Clerk advised that a lot would be drawn to decide the outcome of the tied vote. Following which, the amendment by Councillor Brooks was successful and would be put to the vote against the motion.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Radley; for the amendment by Councillor Brooks (2) – Councillors Brooks and Nicoll; declined to vote (2) – Councillors Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.