The owner of a famous Angus chip shop on the A90 will continue to offer potentially lifesaving free coffee despite a planning setback.
Immy Hussain, who runs the Bervie Chipper near Brechin, has been supplying free tea and coffee to tired motorists since he took over the business around a year ago.
The 42-year-old said he believes it is important for drivers to stay alert on the busy route, which has been the scene of nine deaths in the Aberdeen and Tayside areas alone since last summer.
A planning application for signs advertising the no-obligation refreshments was recommended for refusal by Angus Council planning officers.
Mr Hussain said he was disappointed the authority didn’t see the merit in his submission, which he admits would also promote footfall for his business.
“The A90 is a very bad road, particularly in the winter time,” he said.
“Last winter I saw five separate accidents on the way up from Dundee it really is bad.
“I have already got posters up telling people they can get free tea and coffee. I believe anything that gives them a break has to be a good thing.”
Following the decision to refuse, Mr Hussain has started a petition which he claims has already attracted more than 400 signatures.
He says his outlet is the only place to stop for a coffee on the A90 for drivers travelling south from Aberdeen.
“There is plenty of road signage on the A90 but it seems I’m not allowed one,” Mr Hussain said.
“They (the council) say it will distract drivers but I think that’s just an excuse.”
In an email to the business owner, an officer from the council’s planning department stated that Transport Scotland recommended permission be refused on the grounds it “may cause an unnecessary distraction to drivers”.