Call for 20mph speed limit in Fife town centre

Sustainable Cupar wants the local authority to introduce the speed limit in the town centre, following in the footsteps of Perth and Kinross Council, which made Perth city centre a 20mph zone.

The group has long called for 20mph speed limits on some of the town’s main roads, and it believes now is the right time to make those changes.

“The lockdown has only emphasised that better provision for cycling and walking is a good thing, and that the pollution motor vehicles produce, and their deterrence of such active travel, is not a good thing,” wrote chairman Gordon Pay in a letter to the council.

“Covid-19 has moved many issues on, including 20mph limits. Sustainable Cupar believes a 20mph limit would be a necessary but not sufficient measure to give the priority to cycling and walking that they actually require.

“20mph signs, and planters to restrict some roads, are not big infrastructure, big budget items. They can however make a big, radical, difference to how safe people feel to get on their bikes.”

The group’s comments come one week after Fife Council announced plans to make active travel changes in Cupar, which could affect Bonnygate, Crossgate and St Catherine Street.

Fife Council service manager John Mitchell said: “The detail of the proposals are under development and will be shared more widely prior to installation. The council is keen to hear from communities regarding the use of its public spaces.”

Short term measures are expected to be implemented by the end of July. Measures which require more involved designs and liaison are scheduled for implementation by August/early September.