One-way system planned for Glasgow city centre shopping

Signage encouraging shoppers to walk on one side of Buchanan Street is being considered by Glasgow City Council.

The local authority, as part of its ‘Spaces for People’ project, is exploring whether to introduce ‘keep left’ signs to enable social distancing.

Non-essential shops reopened across the country on Monday in line with the Scottish Government’s easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Large queues formed outside several shops as many outlets opened their doors for the first time since late March.

Primark staff apply social distancing signs to the ground on Princess Street. Getty Images

In the capital, Edinburgh City Council has already implemented new measures to encourage physical distancing.

Footways have been widened on East Princes Street and South St David Street.

Furthermore, Waverley Bridge is closed vehicles at the junction with Princes Street, while maintaining cycle access from Princes Street

Road resurfacing and temporary segregated cycle lanes are also due for completion on Forrest Road soon.

A quiet Union Street in Aberdeen during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen City Council has moved to introduce temporary spaces across the city to help pedestrians physically distance and enable more people to cycle.

The move, agreed at an urgent business committee yesterday, include temporary pedestrianisation, pavement widening, bike lanes, and one-way walking.

Work on Union Street and nearby streets have already taken place.

“The project team will continue to engage with the public and businesses on the plans as they are in all our best interests to ensure people keep physically distancing and we prevent a second wave of coronavirus in the city.”
Sandra Macdonald, Aberdeen City Council’s transport spokesperson

Aberdeen City Council’s transport spokesperson Councillor Sandra Macdonald said: “It was important we installed these measures in the city’s busiest area, the city centre, before large numbers of people returned to the main shopping areas.

“The project team will continue to engage with the public and businesses on the plans as they are in all our best interests to ensure people keep physically distancing and we prevent a second wave of coronavirus in the city.”

Earlier this month, Nicola Sturgeon announced that non-essential shops of any size would be able to reopen on June 29 provided they had outdoor entrances and exits.

The news had staff eager to get back to business after being forced to close for more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the step forward, shoppers found different layouts and features, such as one-way aisles and plexiglass at cash desks.

Shops of any size that meet the government’s requirements can get back to business this week – previously officials had suggested only small shops would be permitted to reopen in phase two.

Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged shoppers to act responsibly and not to “squander” virus progress as more shops reopen.

She tweeted: “If you plan on visiting shops today, please do so responsibly.

“Maintain physical distancing, follow hygiene advice, wear a face covering and respect staff who may be asking you to shop differently.

“We’ve made so much progress against the virus – let’s not squander it. #StaySafe.”