Plans for 20mph speed limits in Cupar town centre ‘limited’

Fife Council, using some of its Spaces for People funding, is to make Bonnygate, Crossgate, South Bridge, Castle Hill, Lady Wynd and Castle Hill Terrace 20mph areas, as part of a new project to make streets in Fife safer for walkers and cyclists.

However, Sustainable Cupar, which has long argued for 20mph speed limits in the town centre, said the plans do not go far enough.

It argues the temporary changes should include the entire air quality management area – a zone which includes Station Road, East Burnside and more of the town centre.

“There are difficulties at Burnside, crossing to Lady Wynd and all along Station Road and South Road, both of which are, in effect, extensions to the town centre,” said Gordon Pay, Sustainable Cupar chairman.

“It is not safe to cross the road near the Crichton statue and from Lidl’s to the bus stop for Glenrothes, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It would also be appropriate to extend the 20mph zone east from St Catherine Street through East Bridge along East Road to the crossing near Pitscottie Road and to include Pitscottie Road and Coal Road.”

Altany Craik, convener of the Economy, Tourism. Strategic Planning & Transportation Committee, responded: “Our discussions with various stakeholders show that there’s considerable support for a 20mph speed limit within the town centre.

“Our proposals are in keeping with that aspiration and since it will be implemented on a temporary basis, it will enable us to assess the merits of this type of intervention.

“Should the temporary 20mph limit prove to be successful, there is scope to have a wider consultation regarding any area being considered for a permanent 20mph limit thereafter.”

Cllr Craik added: “A plan showing the proposed 20mph area is available on the Spaces for People website www.fife.gov.uk/spaces-for-people and feedback from the public is welcome.”