A major region could introduce new 20mph limits as part of plans to make roads safer in a fresh blow to motorists, with drivers urged to share feedback.
Fife Council has revealed plans to introduce 20mph speed limits across Kirkcaldy, with the move now under consultation before coming into effect.
The plans follow the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework to 2030, which sets out a long-term vision to have zero fatalities and serious injuries on Scotland’s roads by 2050.
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The proposed changes are part of a “safe system” approach to road safety, with research finding that a person hit by a vehicle at 30mph is seven times more likely to die than if they were hit at 20mph.
The proposed plans would turn several roads in the area to 20mph
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The council has already introduced 20mph limits in St Andrews, Rosyth, and Falkland, and is now looking to hear from Kirkcaldy residents on the proposed changes in their area.
Councillor Ian Cameron said: “First and foremost, keeping road users safe – whether they’re in a vehicle or not – is our priority. One person dying due to speeding is one too many.
“We know that some may be concerned about longer journey times because of the lower speed limits however, studies suggest the impact is minimal and adds less than a minute to a five-mile trip in most cases. I’m sure we can all spare that extra time if it means saving lives.”
Mr Cameron added that he would encourage “as many residents as possible” to view the proposals and share their thoughts via the online consultation.
Data found that 20mph speed limits contributed to fewer road fatalities
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TFLThe council explained that the newer approach to road safety is based on a safe system approach, which concentrates on “survivable speeds” as well as prioritising people and their safety.
The authority shared: “A safe system approach acknowledges that humans are fallible and make mistakes, or errors in judgment, due to our limitations. A safe road system must be designed to accommodate the needs of people using it and mitigate their limitations.”
A report by the Department for Transport found that journey times under 20mph are estimated to have increased by three per cent in residential areas and five per cent in city centre areas.
“This adds less than half a minute to a two-mile trip and less than a minute to a five-mile trip,” the council stated.
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If the 20mph plans move ahead, it is anticipated that any “adverse impacts” on travel times in Kirkcaldy would be minimal.
But residents have expressed mixed views on the proposals, with one person sharing that the move is “not really a consultation, as both Edinburgh and Lothian residents actively voted against any change to 20mph and look where they are”.
The person shared on Facebook: “It’s a chance for the clowncil to tell u what’s going to happen, they’ll pretend they’ll listen to your given points, while completely ignoring them.”
Another person shared: “I rarely see anyone abiding by these limits anywhere, as they are just too slow for main roads. All side roads, residential estates and then fine, but the major roads through anywhere, this is just too slow. If they want to achieve zero deaths, they will have to ban private modes of transport, and I think this is the way we are going.”
20mph speed limits have faced divided opinions among drivers
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PAList of proposed locations:
Pratt Street / Abbotshall Road from Links Street to Beveridge Park roundabout
Nicol Street from Esplanade to Beveridge Park roundabout
Boglily Road from Beveridge Park roundabout to just past the bus stops near Raith Drive
Abbotshall Road / St Brycedale Avenue / Townsend Place / Coal Wynd / Mitchell Street from Beveridge Park roundabout to Dunnikier Road
Forth Avenue and Whyte Melville Road
Oriel Road from the existing 40 mph to the Aldi roundabout
Bennochy Road / Victoria Road from Adam Smith junction to a point approximately 150 metres east of Dunnikier Road
Bennochy Road from Victoria Road to Hillcrest Avenue
Forth Park Drive
Hendry Road from Bennochy Road to Hayfield Road
Dunnikier Road from Mitchell Street to Hayfield Road
Hayfield Road from Hendry Road to Whyteman’s Brae
Whyteman’s Brae
Dysart Road from St Clair Street to the Strathearn Hotel
St Clair Street / Rosslyn Street from Dysart Road to Oswald Road
Cairns Street West from Beatty Crescent to Overton Road
Overton Road from Kidd Street to Dunnikier Way
Dunnikier Way at Kirkcaldy High School
Boreland Road from Standing Stane Road to the last house past the Care Home
Glen Albyn Drive / Glen Feshie Place (new houses)
