Deadlock in university street parking talks

People living near Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen have said they have reached a deadlock in talks on the future of street parking in the local area.

RGU told Aberdeen City Council in December that it would stop paying towards the cost of a controlled parking zone (CPZ) to stop students taking spaces outside homes of residents in Garthdee.

Newly-published papers said the university suggested a phased withdrawal from the CPZ, but council officers have rejected that proposal.

A submission on behalf of Garthdee Community Council said that RGU's offer does not go far enough.

Garthdee residents who live next door to the university have not been charged for parking permits under the CPZ.

It means they can park outside their homes without students taking their spaces.

The council has been in talks with RGU and the local community to try and find a long term solution that is acceptable to all when the agreement comes to an end next month.

RGU has offered a phased withdrawal from the CPZ over three to five years, part-funded by the council, but officers said that was not feasible.

Garthdee Community Council said RGU had to meet the expectations of local people.

A submission said: "Garthdee Community Council fears that the people of Garthdee will be severely angered that their needs, both financial, and socially, are being ignored and strongly call upon RGU to meet the expectations of the people of Garthdee.

“Anything less will damage relations even further, possibly beyond repair.”

The university previously said it was taking "challenging yet necessary actions" to deal with financial pressures.