A COUNCIL has become the first in Scotland to place restrictions on roadside tributes for accident victims.
Aberdeenshire Council will adopt new national guidelines drawn up by road safety experts which will see the removal of flowers from accident scenes after 30 days.
The placing of permanent roadside memorials will also be discouraged completely.
It follows concern from safety experts and motorists that distraction and uncontrolled pedestrian activity could lead to a subsequent crash or fatality at an accident scene.
The guidelines from the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) have been drawn up in consultation with the police and the Scottish Executive.
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Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee voted by 24 to three to approve the measures.
Andy Duff, secretary of SCOTS, said tributes could not only draw the attention of drivers away from the road, but could lead to people stopping or walking on the roadway where there were sharp bends or reduced visibility.
Visits to accident sites by family or friends will continue to be organised and carried out by police officers, to ensure the safety of all concerned.
The guidelines are being recommended for adoption by all councils and the Scottish Executive in the interests of applying a consistent policy across Scotland.