North east road tributes curbed

Tributes may distract drivers, it is argued

Aberdeenshire is to become the first area in Scotland to introduce a time limit on roadside tributes to accident victims.

Councillors have adopted new guidelines limiting memorials for loved ones to 30 days on safety grounds.

The proposals have been drawn up by senior transport officials across Scotland with support from police.

They argue that flowers at the accident scene could distract motorists on dangerous stretches of road.

Floral tributes at the scene of fatal road crashes in Aberdeenshire will be removed after 30 days and permanent memorials are to be discouraged.

Councillor Alison McInnes said: "Unfortunately, they can represent a very real road safety risk - not only by drawing the attention of drivers away from the road - but also by leading to people stopping or walking on the roadway, often in difficult locations such as sections of roads with sharp bends or reduced visibility."

She added: "It would be very hard-hearted to ban the placing of these tributes and we have no intention of doing so.

'More evidence'

"But we do need to put in place arrangements that will reduce the road safety risks and potential for further injury or loss of life, while also being sensitive to the needs of the bereaved who have suffered the loss of a loved one."

Some opposition councillors called for more evidence to be gathered and claimed that the safety concerns were anecdotal but members of the council's infrastructure services committee agreed by a vote of 24 to three to approve the measures.

The recommendations have been drawn by the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (Scots).