Doing a fantastic job?

The following article comes from the Press & Journal

An Aberdeen community leader has claimed the new speed restrictions in the city centre are simply not working.

Rosemount and Mile-End Community Council chairman Bill Cormie blasted Aberdeen City Council for introducing the new 20mph speed limit and then "washing their hands of it".

He felt it is unfair of the council to leave the police to deal with it as they already have enough to do.

Grampian Police revealed last night that they have yet to charge a single person relating to the new restrictions in the centre of town.

Mr Cormie insisted drivers have not been sticking to the new limits, however.

He said: "The whole town centre speed limit is a joke.

"All we have to show for the new legislation is road paint and signs, because drivers have certainly not slowed down.

"I just don't think the council thought the whole thing through properly.

"It is all very well bringing in new limits in the centre, but the police do not have the resources. They already have enough worries and they are doing a fantastic job in Aberdeen.

"It seems to me that the council have pushed through these new restrictions and then just washed their hands of them."

Police said the lowered speed limit would be enforced fully.

Superintendent Harry Thorburn said: "Reducing speed by just a few miles per hour markedly reduces the severity of injury in pedestrian road collisions and that is why we are welcoming the move."

Aberdeen City Council reiterated their desire to slow traffic in the city centre.

A spokesman said: "The council disagrees with Mr Cormie's view because this is a valuable measure and a move to improve safety.

"Thousands of people visit Aberdeen city centre every day and these lower limits make it safer for them because it reduces the risk of serious injury.

"The move was supported by Grampian Police who are also keen to curb speed in the centre of the city."

Mr Cormie feels the limit is not suitable, however.

He added: "I was on a bus this week and the driver went from Union Terrace and down Schoolhill and he was doing at least 30mph.

"It seems there is nobody enforcing it, so nobody is sticking to it.

"I feel 20mph speed limits should be kept solely for streets near schools. Aberdeen is now in a situation where drivers don't know whether they are coming or going because of all the different speed limits."

Aberdeen became the first city in Scotland to introduce a 20mph speed limit in its city centre in July this year.

Worries? I'd like to commend Mr Cormie for his kind thoughts!