The move will see all doorways to Aldi stores fitted with red and green lights to signal when customers must stop and when they are permitted to enter the premises.

A nationwide roll out of the new technology starts later this week following a successful trial.

The new system is tailored to the specific customer limits at each shop, in line with official 2m social-distancing rules.

A new 'traffic light' system is being rolled out at Aldi stores to help staff and customers avoid spreading the coronavirus

Priority access for NHS and blue-light workers will also remain in place.

These individuals are encouraged to go to the front of the queue, with other customers asked to continue to respect this.

The traffic light system will run alongside the current measures already in place at all Aldi stores to ensure people give each other the required space.

This includes protective screens at checkouts, distancing markers on shop floors, sanitisation stations for customers as well as signage to offer clear guidance on how to shop safely.

Stores are also encouraging consumers to shop on their own where possible.

Richard Thornton, communications director at Aldi, said: “The protection and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and this new system is an accurate and effective way to allow us to control customer numbers in stores.

“The system’s trial was well received by our customers and we will be gradually rolling this new social-distancing measure out nationwide from this week.”

Aldi is the fourth-largest supermarket chain in Scotland with 91 stores.

There are plans to open another four later this year - in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston and Stewarton.

It is currently the UK’s lowest priced supermarket.

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Aldi 'traffic light' system gets green for go to help distancing in-store

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