Safety review at Fife road junction after councillor's plea

Cllr Brian Thomson (Scottish Labour, St Andrews) submitted a motion to the North East Area Committee of Fife Council asking transport officers to assess possible improvements to the Strathkinness junction of the B939.

He believes measures such as a reduced 40mph speed limit - down from the existing national speed limit restriction of 60mph - or a roundabout conversion should be considered.

The junction presently has rumble strips, flashing signs and variable road surfaces installed.

Several accidents have occurred in recent years, most recently in September when three women were hospitalised in a three-car smash.

Cllr Thomson told the meeting: "We must have spent hours talking about this issue. I don't think the concerns expressed can be ignored anymore.

Comment: COVID - if we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere ...

"It needs to be recognised that measures can be taken to reduce driver errors or at least reduce the impact of such errors, excess speed being the main factor."

Cllr Ann Verner (SNP, St Andrews) added: “As someone who lived in Strathkinness for 35 years I'm fully aware how dangerous this junction is.”

The motion was unanimously agreed. Council officers have been asked to return with proposals no later than April 21.

Following the meeting, Cllr Thomson said he was hopeful the measures that will eventually proposed would reduce accidents.

"Concerns about safety at the crossroads have been expressed by residents in Strathkinness and the wider area for a considerable time, so I'm pleased that the committee unanimously supported the motion," he said.

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