Calls have been made to restrict lorry traffic from coming through a north-east town.
The B9170 Oldmeldrum to Inverurie road was closed earlier this week to allow resurfacing works to be carried out.
This has meant less traffic, including HGVs, has been coming in and out of the town centre.
And now a local councillor and businesswoman is calling on Aberdeenshire Council to consider introducing more permanent restrictions.
Judy Whyte, who is a partner at Mitchell’s Dairy in the town, said: “While the road is temporarily closed for essential maintenance, traffic has to use the new northern link road and it really illustrates how much more pleasant Inverurie town centre is with less HGV vehicles trundling through creating noise and pollution.
“And now that a Bid (business improvement district) is in place, with a defined business plan objective to address traffic management issues in the town, this would be the perfect time for Aberdeenshire Council to engage and act with measures to discourage HGVs from using the town centre as a through road.
“For example, a 20mph speed limit in the town centre and its main approaches, HGV delivery access only’ signs and other road-safety measures could make the town a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Initiatives like these could enhance Inverurie town centre as an appealing destination for residents as well as those shopping and visiting to spend longer enjoying all the town has to offer.”
Willie Lippe, who runs Lippe Architects and Planners in the town, said he would be broadly supportive of Mrs Whyte’s proposal.
He said: “We have noticed there is a reduction of this type of traffic already, particularly with the temporary closure in place.
“The next step would be to restrict the weights of lorries but I’m not convinced that would work given the number of businesses that rely on HGVs to service them.
“However if delivery vehicles were allowed through that would be a very sensible idea and there’s no reason why that couldn’t work.”
The council declined to comment on the specifics of Mrs Whyte’s proposal but said it was happy to listen to the suggestions of councillors for improving communities.