AFTER a sunny day which saw the Police having to manage the chaos on Shorehead, a resident is calling for Aberdeenshire Council to take action to reduce inappropriate traffic at Stonehaven’s harbour front.
Summer in Stonehaven brings a very recognised and predictable set of pressures thanks to ever-increasing visitor numbers. One of those is the impact of traffic on the narrow harbour front roads.
Tourists beguiled by the width of the High Street suddenly find themselves in what must be a worryingly tight spot with a choice of the Old Pier and its unprotected drop into the basin – or the Shorehead with its visible parking spaces. Many choose the latter only to find no free parking space and a dead end. Many of them are driving large motorhomes. Buses and lorries add to the confusion.
The almost daily impact is what one home owner described as ‘carnage’ on the roads.
Another told The Bellman there is growing frustration among residents, as road safety concerns have been discussed for years but remain largely unresolved.
They said: ”Regularly, large motorhomes, camper vans, coaches and buses enter an area that is a historic residential street and harbour access road.
”The congestion affects parking, creates manoeuvring difficulties, causes obstruction and raises concerns about pedestrian safety. Residents and harbour users have repeatedly reported vehicles blocking roadways, occupying multiple parking spaces and creating difficulties for access to homes and harbour facilities.
”On Friday, the Police had to help with the traffic congestion.”
A lack of action following review
The frustrated householder, who does not wish to be named, said: ”No-one is suggesting that Stonehaven should not welcome visitors. Tourism is vital to the town. However, residents are asking for proportionate measures that balance tourism with the needs of those who live and work in the harbour area.
”This could include clearer signage, improved road markings, access restrictions for unsuitable vehicles, better parking management and implementation of recommendations already identified by the council’s own review process.
”The Traffic Management Review was intended to provide evidence and recommendations for future improvements. Yet four years after its publication, many of its recommendations have still not progressed beyond discussion stages.”
They added: ”The concern is not that the council is unaware of the problem. On the contrary, officers, councillors, the Community Council and harbour stakeholders all appear to recognise the difficulties. The concern is that recognition has not translated into action.”
This sign is the only warning for larger vehicles that what lies ahead may not be suitable for them.
Council weighing up its priorities
A spokesperson said: “Aberdeenshire Council is aware of concerns regarding parking and traffic management in the area surrounding Stonehaven Harbour, including requests from members of the community for changes to existing signage and road markings.
“Since 2024/25, Aberdeenshire Council has undertaken traffic management reviews on a whole-town basis rather than considering individual locations in isolation. These reviews are prioritised across Aberdeenshire to ensure a consistent and evidence-based approach to assessing local traffic and parking issues.
“The prioritisation process is currently being finalised and the outcome will be communicated in due course. Should Stonehaven be identified as a high-priority location, the council will examine potential measures which could help address any issues raised and improve traffic and parking management in the harbour area.
“Aberdeenshire Council remains committed to working with local communities to identify practical and proportionate solutions to transport and parking concerns. We would encourage motorists to always act responsibly to ensure everyone can enjoy the harbour area safely.”
Even the piers are full of cars and vans