Motorists are ”blatantly ignoring” speed limits outside East Neuk schools, according to Fife police.
The force has vowed to step up patrols and accused some drivers of ”endangering local children”.
Police say the worst offenders use roads near Anstruther, Pittenweem, Crail, Largoward, Dunino and Elie primary schools.
Community officer Tracy Elder has warned there will be ”a tragedy in our community” unless motorists slow down.
”The actions of some drivers in the area is endangering local children during their journey to and from school,” she said. ”The 20mph speed limit is in place to prevent these children from being injured, but some people are blatantly ignoring the limit.
”This is unacceptable and I will be carrying out regular checks in the area. If you are not willing to drive in a responsible manner, then you will be caught, as some have already discovered.
“What makes this worse is that these drivers are people who live in this community and will know either the children or their parents.”
Teachers at three East Neuk schools have backed Fife Constabulary’s tough stance on speeding drivers.
The head teacher at Anstruther Primary School, Robin Currie, said: ”It concerns me a great deal that motorists aren’t adhering to these limits that are in place to protect children. A lot of children walk home and ride bikes home so these children are potentially at risk.”
Pittenweem Primary’s head teacher Elaine Paterson said she has raised the issue with officers on a number of occasions.
She said: ”We have had to speak to the police about it in the past because we have a crossing outside the school and sometimes the drivers don’t always notice it.
”I’m not happy about cars going too fast outside the school at any time. We want our children to be safe and we’d be happier if people were driving more cautiously.”
Head teacher at Largoward Primary Patsy McKay added: ”During the times when children are entering and leaving the school, there is a 20mph sign and I would urge drivers to observe the speed limit.”