Double-yellow lines in a pretty Mearns village are to be painted a paler shade of primrose so as not to upset its historic charms.
Councillors yesterday agreed that traffic markings in Auchenblae should be a more mellow yellow in “sympathy” with its conservation status.
One councillor queried if altering the colour from the standard yellow could cause confusion for drivers.
Ian Mollison, Liberal Democrat member for North Kincardine, said: “As a driver, when you see double-yellow lines you know what they mean. If you see primrose or cream lines, well I am sure its very tasteful but you don’t have a clue what they mean.
“You might think a local resident has been at it with a tin of Dulux.”
The issue was discussed yesterday at Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee as a new traffic management plan for Auchenblae was approved.
It is felt that the village has become more busy with a new plan needed to stop illegal parking and increase safety of pedestrians and other drivers.
Residents have objected to the introduction of double yellow lines in Auchenblae in the past given its picture postcard appeal.
The village is said to have important historic interest as an early mill town of the late 18th Century.
It has 75 listed buildings with the conservation status protecting buildings on the village’s Inverurie Street, High Street and Market Square, as well as the school and parish church.
Auchenblae was granted conservation status last autumn.
There was a a mixed reaction to the double-primrose lines in Auchenblae yesterday.
Joiner Alexander Adams, 60, said: “If it is a conservation area, there should be no double-yellow lines at all if they want to keep it the way it was.”
Full-time mother Liz McDonald, 50, added: “I think it is a bit made. If the double-yellow lines are primrose, will people just ignore them?”
Stuart McFarlane, Aberdeenshire Council’s roads manager for Kincardine and Mearns, reassured members yesterday that the purpose of the lines would be clear.
He said: “The colour will be a lighter yellow and less harsh to tie in with the conservation area. No one should have any misunderstanding that they are double-yellow lines.”
The new traffic plan will be shortly be open for consultation with groups including RAC and the Road Haulage Association with members of the public to be given three weeks to have their say.