The Scottish Government must offer long-term solutions to improve safety on the A92, a Fife councillor has warned.
John Wincott, Fife Council’s spokesperson for Environment and Transportation, has called on Transport Scotland, the government agency that maintains the route, to show “proper commitment” to addressing safety concerns on the trunk road.
The agency has confirmed that it is to meet with stakeholders and community leaders later this month in order to respond to the council’s A92 Action Plan.
The body had cancelled a planned response in the summer following a series of public meetings.
Keen to hear what Transport Scotland has to say, Mr Wincott said: “The local community is looking for positive action to be taken on this issue.
“So far, Transport Scotland have done no more than stick a plaster on something that needs a proper commitment to real change on the A92, particularly the hot spots of Balfarg, Cadham and Freuchie.
“We specifically need a safe crossing point for pedestrians between the Cadham and Balfarg junctions.
“I look forward to the publication of the response and hope that local communities get the action they deserve.”
Transport Scotland postponed the release of its official response to the council’s A92 Action Plan to allow for further consultation.
The decision was taken after two heated public meetings with the agency and residents of both Glenrothes and Freuchie.
Members of the public claimed that the body had underestimated the level of concerns expressed at the events.
Transport Scotland has confirmed that it will now meet with local community and political leaders later this month to discuss its response.
A spokesperson said: “We are firmly committed to improving the A92 and we are meeting local communities and Fife Council to update them on our plans later this month.
“The Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, met Peter Grant MP recently to provide an update and work has been continuing on £200,000 of operational and safety improvements being delivered this year on the A92 to the north of Glenrothes.
“A new footway at Balfarg has been completed and a number of other improvements are planned, such as the installation of high reflectivity road markings and a review of signage to better define key junctions.
“We are also undertaking an assessment of the feasibility of installing a pedestrian crossing at Balbirnie.”
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk.
