A banner asking motorists to beep their horns in support of NHS workers has been removed from a bridge over the A9 in Perthshire after nearby residents complained about the noise.
Bear Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council workers agreed to take down the sign on Thursday after it had been displayed on the bridge near Abbey Road in Auchterarder for around 10 days.
The sign was removed after residents complained to the local authority about the noise created by passing traffic who were following the instructions on the unauthorised banner.
A spokesperson for Bear said: “A banner encouraging motorists to sound their horns was removed from a bridge across the A9 at Auchterarder after the local authority received noise complaints from local residents.
“We appreciate that people wish to demonstrate their support for the NHS and the incredible work they are doing right now, however it is important that such demonstrations do not create any unsafe road distractions for motorists, are fully authorised and are considerate to nearby residents.”
The roads body added that the sign had been stored in their Perth depot and the owners were welcome to contact Bear Scotland to organise collection.
Strathallan SNP councillor Tom Gray said he had received messages in support of and against the banner but believed the unauthorised display could cause noise disruption to nearby residents.
Mr Gray said: “Frankly, enough cannot be said in support of NHS staff of all categories and at all levels in normal times.
“Their work and brevity during the fight against the current pandemic takes deserved respect to new levels.
“Regarding the banner placed on a bridge over the A9 at Auchterarder, I fully appreciate the sentiment of its message.
“However, I also fully appreciate that with the A9 by-passing Auchterarder carrying an unusually low volume of traffic, the silence and new ‘old-world’ experience we are all becoming familiar with is something to treasure and I would have thought best not disturbed by intermittent sounding of horns.
“In almost equal measure, I have received responses to the issue for and against the sounding of horns.
“However, an illegal act causing a disturbance must be acted upon, whatever the motive behind the act.
“Might I suggest we celebrate NHS staff and all working tirelessly to overcome covid-19 by reflecting that during the relative silence we now enjoy, countless others are selflessly hard at work in the care and protection of us all.”
