The time has come to end the months of misery endured by Aberdeen city centre businesses since traffic changes sent footfall plummeting.

Last August, three new bus gates on Bridge Street, Guild Street and Market Street were introduced - along with a ban on turning right from Union Terrace and restricted access to Schoolhill/Upperkirkgate. 

The works are intended to make the city centre more bus-friendly, and reduce emissions.

But the negative consequences simply can't be ignored.

A staggering 90% of people surveyed by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said the moves had a "negative impact" on their usual activities in the city centre, while 74% were unclear about where they could drive and 79% admitted visiting less often.

At the same time, 81% of businesses said they had fewer customers. Some, like food hall Haigs, blamed the temporary traffic measures as they relocated their business this year.

But now the councillors elected by you to serve Aberdeen's best interests have the power to change that.

And The Press and Journal is standing side by side with Aberdeen businesses, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Inspired and Our Union Street in an appeal to reach a Common Sense Compromise. 

We now want you to back it, and send a message to city decision-makers. 

Let's look at alternative measures, which would balance the short-term needs of businesses with Aberdeen City Council's long-term transport goals.

• Keep the Guild Street bus gates, along with restrictions on Schoolhill and Upperkirkgate.
• Remove the bus gates at the Adelphi and Market Street, allowing access in both directions through Market Street.
• Remove the bus gates on Bridge Street, allowing full access in both directions.
• Remove the right turn ban on Union Terrace.
• Issue a warning rather than a fine to first offenders.
• Use fines to help city centre businesses via transport initiatives.
   

The Guild Street bus gates have successfully relieved congestion, allowing buses to enter and exit the station without becoming clogged up in traffic.

Since their introduction, bus firms have reported better performances, with quicker journeys and improved punctuality.

Let's leave them in place. And let's also recognise the long-term aspirations to keep Schoolhill and the Upperkirkgate traffic-free. 

But a clear message must be sent to people living in and around Aberdeen that the city is open for business.

Removing other measures will show a willingness to meet these businesses halfway.

Let drivers use Bridge Street and Market Street to cross the city once again. Let's make it easier for people to support the city centre, to visit our high street highlights and make the city centre a vibrant place to be.

The same sort of technology used to scan number plates to check for LEZ compliance could be used to detect bus gate "first offenders".

Rather than slapping visitors with a fine, allowing this negative perception to grow, they will instead receive a letter warning them about the new system.

And for those fines that are accrued, the money should be ploughed into schemes aimed at helping local businesses who have been impacted, with free/reduced parking prices and free bus promotions. 

Please do support local businesses, and support our Common Sense Compromise