Aberdeen City Council has provided an update on the rollout of its citywide 20mph speed limit programme.

Programme Timeline

Implementation of the scheme has been delayed due to ongoing workload pressures and limited resources. While a confirmed installation date is not yet available, the Council has stated that the programme is still expected to be completed before the start of winter.

Seafield Road: Temporary 20mph Limit

A 20mph speed limit has been introduced on Seafield Road under a Temporary Speed Limit Order, which can remain in place for up to 18 months.

This trial period allows:

• Residents to experience the reduced speed limit
• Council officers to monitor driver compliance
• Assessment of how practical and effective the restriction is

Monitoring and Evaluation

To evaluate the impact of the changes, the Council will carry out vehicular speed surveys both before and after implementation. These surveys will also be conducted on other roads with similar proposals.

The results will help determine whether the 20mph limit should remain in place or be adjusted.

Possible Outcomes

Based on the findings, the Council may:

• Adjust the length or extent of the 20mph zone
• Introduce additional traffic calming or speed management measures
• Use the lower speed limit to support improvements such as active travel initiatives
• Revert the road back to a 30mph limit if deemed unsuitable for 20mph

Further updates will be provided as the programme progresses.

Councillor Martin Greig followed up with the City Council Roads Team regarding concerns raised by the Community Council about road markings at several locations. Updates have now been received for three sites, outlined below.

1. Queens Road (near Provost Graham Avenue junction)

Issue: Faded road markings

Update:
The Roads Team has confirmed that they are aware of the issue and that a work order is already in place to repaint the worn markings. However, current resource constraints are affecting how quickly the work can be completed.

They have advised that repainting will be carried out at the earliest opportunity, taking into account weather conditions and staff availability.

2. Hazledene Road

Issue: Request to repaint zebra crossing

Update:
The Roads Team will arrange an inspection of the zebra crossing. If the markings are found to be below acceptable standards, the site will be added to the maintenance schedule.

As with other locations, resource limitations may affect the timescale for repairs. Work will proceed as soon as possible, subject to weather conditions and available resources.

3. Great Western Road (near Hammerfield Avenue / Duthie Terrace)

Issue: Faded white line markings (including central road markings)

Update:
The Roads Team has confirmed that this issue is already logged, and a work order is in place. Due to current resource constraints, there is no confirmed date for the repainting work at this time.

Repairs will be undertaken as soon as practicable, depending on weather conditions and operational capacity.

Further Information
If you have any questions or would like to highlight additional locations requiring attention, please get in touch. Feedback from the community continues to play an important role in prioritising local improvements.

The Long Road to Repairing Springbank Cemetery Gates

Residents and visitors to Springbank Cemetery have been left asking why the site remains partially fenced off years after the gates were first damaged. A response issued by Aberdeen City Council’s Corporate Landlord Team on 20 February helps explain the complex and protracted situation behind the scenes.

A Site Still in Limbo

Although the damaged gates were removed in October 2025, temporary Heras fencing remains in place—leaving the cemetery looking far from its intended standard. For a location of such sensitivity and heritage, the ongoing condition is understandably a source of frustration.

A Series of Setbacks

The Council has outlined several challenges that have contributed to the lengthy delay:

• Specialist shortages: Sourcing contractors with the expertise to repair historic gates has proved difficult.
• Wide-ranging quotes: Costs submitted by different suppliers have varied significantly, complicating progress.
• Industry disruption: One of the more competitive options, Ballentine’s Foundry, went into liquidation during the process.
• Insurance disputes: The insurer of the third party responsible for the damage has offered a settlement well below the cost of repair.

A Complicated Claims Process

Attempts to have the insurer manage the repairs directly were unsuccessful. The insurer declined to proceed due to a lack of suitable contractors on their approved list within the area.

This meant the Council had to revisit the process—identifying new specialists and seeking fresh quotations.

A Path Forward - Finally

There are now signs of progress. A new specialist contractor has been identified with a more acceptable cost, and discussions with the third-party insurer are ongoing to agree a final settlement.

Once agreement is reached, work can begin.

When Will Repairs Be Complete?

Based on the Council’s timeline provided on 20 February:

• 12–16 weeks from manufacture to installation once works are instructed
• Projected completion: around June to early July 2026, depending on how quickly costs are agreed and contractor availability

Balancing Speed with Quality

The Council acknowledges the frustration caused by the delays. However, it maintains that the extent of the damage requires careful handling to ensure the repaired gates meet appropriate standards for such an important site.

While the timescale has stretched far beyond what many would consider reasonable, there is now cautious hope that Springbank Cemetery will soon see its entrance properly restored.