The former co-leader of Aberdeen City Council has quit the authority’s SNP group over controversial transport measures.

Alex Nicoll abstained earlier this month when the council voted to make the package of city center measures, including bus gates, permanent.

These aim to improve access but have been roundly criticized by some residents and businesses.

Mr Nicoll said he now expected to serve as an independent councilor instead. The council’s leadership consists of a coalition of SNP and Liberal Democrats.

“I am deeply concerned about the direction the local council group is heading,” he told BBC Scotland News.

“I don’t think we actually thought about some of the consequences of these decisions.”

He said he thought it was the “right and appropriate” thing to do.

Current SNP group and council co-leader Christian Allard wished Mr Nicoll the best.

“I think it is unfortunate that Councilor Nicoll has decided to take this course of action,” he said.

“I would like to thank him for his years as an SNP councilor and also as an SNP group leader.”

Mr Nicoll stood down as SNP group leader in May last year and Mr Allard was elected as his replacement.

Experimental bus priority routes were introduced last year.

Bus gate restrictions have been introduced to reduce the overall amount of traffic on Market Street, Guild Street, Union Street and Bridge Street.

The restrictions were introduced in an experimental order last year while the local authority gathered feedback.