20mph: Kirkcaldy set to move closer to lowering speed limit

Councillors will consider the latest report on the plan which would bring the Lang Toun’s roads into line with Scottish Government guidelines.

The bid to slow down all traffic has sparked debate among motorists and residents.

While some are in favour, others argue the lower limit wouldn’t be enforced.

Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee has already approved the 20mph limit, and Kirkcaldy area committee councillors have undertaken extensive consultation.

The issue was out in front of them last summer, and community engagement was twice extended.

That continued into this year when the local authority made full use of its social media channels to reach even more people - one article receiving over 51,000 different viewers.

With that work done, councillors will now be asked to rubber stamp a proposal for 20mph limits on a number of named roads across the Lang Toun.

At their meeting next week, councillors will be asked to introduce a 30mph speed limit on Dunnikier Way from Hendry Road roundabout to Gallatown roundabout, with the lower speed limit directly outside Kirkcaldy High School.

Speed limits will also be cut on roads Pratt Street / Abbotshall Road from Links Street to Beveridge Park roundabout; Nicol Street from Esplanade to Beveridge Park roundabout; Boglily Road, St Brycedale Avenue, Townsend Place and Coal Wynd; Forth Avenue and Whyte Melville Road; Oriel Road from Aldi roundabout for approximately 300 metres and Bennochy Road / Victoria Road from Adam Smith junction to a point approx. 150 metres east of Dunnikier Road.

If councillors agree, lower limits will also apply to stretches of Bennochy Road, Whyteman's Brae, Dysart Road, Rosslyn Street, Cairns Street West, Boreland Road, Templehall Avenue, Hally’s Court, Canon Byrne Glebe, and The Kyles.

A report to the committee said: “Road safety in Kirkcaldy has improved over the years due to various factors such as infrastructure upgrades and advances in vehicle technology.

“However, further progress is needed to meet Scotland’s long-term road safety vision.”

Between 2019 and 2023, on roads proposed for reduced speed limit in Kirkcaldy, there were 23 serious injuries from road crashes, nine involving pedestrians or cyclists, and one pedestrian fatality.

The report added: “Listening to the feedback from the community we will retain the existing part-time 20mph outside Kirkcaldy High School on Dunnikier Way. The community was complimentary and supportive of this effective part-time 20mph.

“This mandatory speed limit operates at times when pupils are journeying from and to school and at lunch time when pupils walk to nearby amenities.”

Councillors will consider approving the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which would be the next stage in the process to introducing lower speed limits.

The area committee meets in the Town House on Tuesday.