Scotland’s ancient capital is following its modern one in imposing 20mph speed limits in the heart of town.
Last month Edinburgh councillors passed plans for a 20mph zone for more than 80% of its roads, including the entire city centre.
Now City of Dunfermline representatives have also given the green light to a £5,000 scheme.
The massive 20mph zone will cover many town centre streets, including Chalmers Street, Bridge Street and Bruce Street, its historic heart in St Catherine’s Wynd, Kirkgate and Maygate, Abbot Street, Canmore Street, Bonnar Street, James Street, East Port, Commercial School Lane, Walmer Drive, New Row, Skibo Court, Abbey Park Place, St Margaret Street, Monastery Street, Buchanan Street, Priory Lane, Moodie Street, Kirklands, Reid Street, Edgar Street and Rolland Street.
The move comes as two cycle routes are built through the town centre which use New Row and Priory Lane and adjoining streets to give a safer route from the town’s two parks, Pittencrieff and Dunfermline Public Park.
One person objected to the scheme, feeling the streets in the town centre were narrow, lined with cars and cobbled, so it was not possible to drive at speeds greater than 20mph in any case so it would be a waste of money making the speed limit official.
They also questioned what would be done to ensure vehicles cut their speed.
However, it was felt the roads he described were in the minority, while many streets to be included were actually wide, with no on-road parking and lent themselves to higher speeds.
Fife Council would also carry out speed surveys and physical measures may be proposed if they showed drivers were flouting the new limit.
Councillor Neale Hanvey welcomed the plan, as did City of Dunfermline committee chairwoman Helen Law.
She said the plan would enhance the £2.4 million cycling initiative and make the area safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
“We want to try to keep Dunfermline a safer town centre for everyone,” she said. “This is making it a balanced speed across the whole town centre area.”
Photo by David Wardle