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Council ‘rejecting’ potential tragedy warnings over north east Fife accident blackspot

Strathkinness and Blebo Craigs residents are intensifying their calls for action at the site of two serious accidents in six weeks.

Drew Park is concerned by the number of accidents on the B939 near Blebo Craigs
Drew Park, from Blebo Craigs, is concerned by the number of accidents on the B939. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

A Fife community is intensifying its pleas for action after two serious crashes at a notorious blackspot.

However, residents say Fife Council officials are rejecting their attempts to highlight dangers on the B939 near St Andrews.

A 38-year-old St Andrews man died following an accident at Strathkinness crossroads on August 24.

A minibus in a field following the latest accident at a blackspot on the B939 near Blebo Craigs
A minibus in a field following the latest accident at a blackspot on the B939 near Blebo Craigs on Friday. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

And a minibus carrying children ended up in a field after a two-vehicle crash near Blebo Craigs on Friday.

Residents in both villages – along with neighbouring communities – have been warning of a potential tragedy for years.

And Drew Park, from Blebo Craigs, has emailed road safety officials with details of more than a dozen accidents on a three-mile stretch between Strathkinness junction and Pitscottie.

But officials have asked the 80-year-old to stop sending his reports as only investigations carried out by police are taken into consideration.

‘I refuse to stop emailing council’

“I’ve lived here for more than 30 years and have been recording accidents for the last three,” Mr Park said.

“There have been a lot of incidents, including three or four fairly serious accidents in that time.

Drew Park is one of several residents who are concerned about accidents at the blackspot. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

“I email the council every time something happens. But I got a reply saying ‘I respectfully request you refrain from notifying me about all these accidents’.

“I refused to do so because I feel it’s important.

“If there’s another serious or fatal accident they can’t deny they knew about our fears.”

Of particular concern is the 60mph speed limit on almost the entire stretch of the B939.

The B939 leading to St Andrews via Blebo Craigs is said to be an accident blackspot
The B939 leading to St Andrews and Blebo Craigs is said to be an accident blackspot Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

It includes two sharp Z-bends which often catch drivers out, they say.

And while the limit was reduced to 50mph at Strathkinness junction, they say it should be cut further to 40.

“It’s still far too fast,” says Mr Park. “There needs to be radical rethink about the speed limit.”

‘Treat speed limit as a maximum, not a target’

Fife Council lead transportation consultant Steve Sellars says police road accident data, only gives details of accidents where people are injured.

And it allows councils to compare locations in a consistent way.

“There will inevitably be incidents when police are not advised but these will usually be minor and not involve injuries,” he says.

“The circumstances of these latest incidents will be investigated and police will share any appropriate information.”

Mr Sellars adds: “Drivers should always treat a speed limit as a maximum and not a target, while driving to the prevailing conditions,” he adds.

“Refreshed signage and road markings are in place to help drivers negotiate the route as safely as possible.”

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