Councillors have backed a new study which could see traffic reintroduced to pedestrianised parts of Peterhead.
Many local traders believe that allowing cars back into the town centre will boost businesses by bringing more shoppers into the area.
Yesterday, members of the Buchan area committee unanimously agreed to support an investigation into the possibility of re-opening Chapel Street and part of Marischal Street.
The move would allow general traffic to access Broad Street without having to follow the one-way system around the harbour area – currently only buses and emergency vehicle are allowed in.
A survey carried out last summer found that 55% of respondents were in favour of the idea.
Chapel Street and Marischal Street were pedestrianised as part of the Peterhead town centre improvements scheme in 2001.
In a report to the local committee, Aberdeenshire Council roads manager Alan Burns warned that safety measures, such as bollards, would need to be installed to keep shoppers walking in the area safe from cars.
