Kirkcaldy councillors back 20mph speed limits in town - with some exceptions
Motorists are going to have to get used to going slow across Kirkcaldy after a decision by councillors to cut speed limits.
New 20mph restrictions will be introduced on a host of roads as the Lang Toun falls into line with Scottish Government guidelines.
The lengthy list produced by officers saw councillors push for some exemptions, but they rubber-stamped the bulk of the proposals.
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.
Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee has already approved the 20mph limit, and Kirkcaldy area committee councillors have now approved a raft of new limits after undertaking extensive consultation.
Speed limits will be cut on on a host of roads including 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.
A 30mph speed limit will be introduced on Dunnikier Way between Hendry Road roundabout and Gallatown roundabout. The existing part-time 20mph limit outside Kirkcaldy High School will remain in place.
Additional roads, including sections of Templehall Avenue and Boglily Road, have been added following community feedback.
Councillors also decided that St Clair Street and Rosslyn Street should remain at 30mph - and they want officers to consider extending the proposed 20mph speed limit on the A955 beyond Dysart View.
Councillor Ian Cameron, convenor of th3e committee, said "Speeding is one of the issues residents raise with us most often, and road safety remains a priority for communities across Kirkcaldy.
"We know people have different views on 20mph limits, but these proposals have been developed following extensive community engagement and are designed to make our streets safer. Reducing speeds can help reduce the severity of collisions, improve safety for people walking and cycling, and create safer neighbourhoods for everyone."
A formal consultation will now take place as part of the Traffic Regulation Order process which determines speed limits, with signage to then follow on the roads affected.
Oriel Road sparked discussion as the proposals looked to cut the speed limit to 20mph from Aldi for approximately 300 metres.
Councillor Alistair Cameron (Kirkcaldy Central, Labour), said: “The limit makes it quite clear everything in the centre of town is 20mph, That standardises roads all the way round. One of the complaints that has come back is that speed limits on some roads go from 20mph to 30 to 40 - that might come on Oriel Road so we may have to consider.”
Councillor Kathleen Leslie (Burntisland, Kinghorn & Western Kirkcaldy, Labour) also called for Oriel Road to be cut top 30mph.
Shea added:”It is fair to say for couple of years I have had concerns raised in various forums, mostly from carers and parents who have youngsters at Strathallan Primary School.
“The speed on that road is 40mph and drivers do not always stick to it. There are a lot of youngsters walking and cycling along that section of the road, and parents tell me they won’t let them do that any more because of the speed.”
Councillors were told Oriel Road is the subject of on-going investigations and officers will give councillors options to consider inn due course.
Councillors also want to keep Rossyln Street to St Clair Street as a 30mph.
“This is major route into town entre from north and east of Fife,” said Councillor David Ross (Kirkcaldy North, Labour) “It is an ‘A’ road. It fits the criteria from exemptions.”