Aberdeen City Council has approved the use of surplus funds generated from bus lane and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) fines to finance several city centre improvement projects, including a major initiative to enhance green spaces.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee today, 11 June, 2025.

Councillor Ian Yuill, Aberdeen City Council co-leader, stated: "We are working to make the city centre an even better place for people to spend time. Improvements to street lighting, and to the city centre environment help achieve that." Net Zero, Environment, and Transport vice-convenor Miranda Radley added that the allocated budget will enable the Council to "brighten the city centre, improve pedestrian access and encourage more people to enjoy the space we have."

The Council's Finance and Resources Committee had previously approved in March 2025 the allocation of £2,635,268 from bus lane enforcement surpluses and £669,000 from LEZ surpluses for these projects. Discussions with partners, including Aberdeen Inspired, have been ongoing to identify impactful projects aligned with the broader City Centre Masterplan.

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Key projects to be funded by the bus lane enforcement surplus include:

• £200,000 for lighting improvements across the city centre.

• £300,000 for Guild Street improvements, aimed at enhancing the pedestrian environment and improving journeys and wayfinding between Union Square and Union Street. This may also explore additional bus stops on Guild Street.

From the LEZ surplus, the Council had already agreed in March 2025 to spend £200,000 to support the re-establishment of a bicycle rental scheme in Aberdeen. Further projects identified for the LEZ surplus, following discussions with partners and the Council's Environmental Manager, include:

• Our Union Street Greening/People Project: £61,000. This initiative will focus on Union Street West (Union Terrace to Dee Street) with new planting selected for air quality and climate change benefits, along with new seating. The project will involve collaboration with H.M.P. Grampian and the "Our Union Street volunteer army" for construction, planting, and maintenance.

• City Centre Greening, Growing and Buzzing: £60,000. This project will feature urban bee reintroduction, additional year-round floral enhancements through hanging baskets, and an investigation into additional green bus shelters. This will be a partnership with Aberdeen Inspired.

An additional £71,000 was also allocated today by the Committee under the 'Greening the City Centre' theme.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, expressed gratitude to Aberdeen City Council for its continued engagement and support in improving the city centre to attract more footfall and boost the economy. "We look forward to working with the council on any and all initiatives to help regenerate the heart of the Granite City," he said.

Bob Keillor of Our Union Street welcomed the news, stating, "This is excellent news and we look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council colleagues to bring much needed colour and greenery to a section of Union Street. Our army of volunteers 'The Street Union' will be delighted too as they have seen the difference that their cleanup efforts are making every week."