New crossing approved for busy Glenrothes road

Members of the town’s area committee approved a toucan crossing at the junction of Napier Road with the four-lane Rothes Road close to the town centre to be installed at a cost of £33,000.

The approval has been given despite a public underpass already being situated further up Rothes Road.

Ian B Smith, traffic management for mid Fife told the committee that because road had congestion issues at peak times pedestrians therefore needed assistance to cross at that point.

“People are creatures of habit and will cross at the most convenient point, even is a crossing was just 40 meters away,” he added.

Cllr Julie Ford echoed that sentiment adding: “People with mobility issuers and school children on lunch breaks are not going to divert to other crossings and this road needs one in this area.”

However the move was opposed by fellow councillor Altany Craik who said:“This is probably the most congested and badly designed road in Glenrothes, it’s two lanes either side and we want to stick a crossing over it when there is already an underpass just 150 meters away.

“Its a much wider issue, many school children cross that road and we need to see a better plan to make sure this is in fact the best solution.”