A petition which calls for urgent improvements to be made to cut speeding in Cupar’s busy Burnside has been backed by the area’s MP, Stephen Gethins.
More than 300 people have signed the petition asking Fife Council to look at ways of making the street safer for pedestrians particularly children and people using mobility scooters.
Local MP Stephen Gethins and Cupar councillor Karen Marjoram received the petition from residents and will be handing it over to Fife Council’s transporation department.
The petition calls for Fife Council to look at providing a series of safety measures with included a controlled pedestrian crossing in place of the existing traffic island, ‘slow’ down signs in both directions, a lowering of the current speed limit, and the provision of a road safety crossing officer at the start and end of the school day.
Mr Gethins said: “Burnside is one of the busiest streets in Cupar and I can completely understand why residents are so concerned about the speed.
“You only need to stand there for a few minutes to see how difficult it is to cross; because of the bend from Bank Street visibility is difficult, there are two junctions both quite close and the speed of traffic makes it very difficult to take that judgement call about whether it’s safe to cross.
“For a child or person with mobility issues, it is almost impossible to cross without taking your life in your hands.”
Officials from Fife Council transportation service have agreed to look at addressing the issue following the success of the petition, and any changes are likely to go before north east Fife councillors for approval in due course.
Ms Marjoram said: “Well done to Thelma Christian and her neighbours for starting the petition and to all those involved, including local businesses, in getting support for it.
“There are so many people living in Newtown, Dalgairn Crescent, Upper Dalgairn, Halford Court, Bishopgate and the surrounding area who all need to cross this road and it is vital they can do so safely.
“I will continue to work with residents and Fife Council to find the best solution.”
