Nearly 300 drivers have been caught speeding through a North-East Fife village in the past five months.
Motorists passing through St Michaels have been warned that safety cameras will continue to operate in the area until there is a noticeable change in behaviour.
The Fife Safety Camera Partnership has acknowledged that the number of speeding drivers is particularly high, with 293 detected, five of whom are alleged to have been travelling in excess of 50mph in the 30mph zone.
Andrew Jones, partnership manager, said: “It is a very high number. Since February, we have detected 288 drivers in excess of the speed limit and a further five exceeding 50mph.
“They have been reported to the procurator fiscal. We are detecting a lot of people here but we want to keep the public safe. We will be there for the foreseeable future and until driver behaviour changes.”
As the main route between St Andrews and Dundee, thousands of vehicles use the A914 on a daily basis. Camera deployments in St Michaels began on February 1 in response to concerns from local residents and councillors.
Assessments carried out by safety camera operators beforehand showed that 86% of drivers passing through St Michaels were doing so in excess of the 30mph limit.
A number of measures to slow drivers down are already in place, including high-visibility signage and rumble strips on the road.
The number of drivers breaking the speed limit has shocked local councillors, with Tay Bridgehead representative Tim Brett saying: “I would urge motorists to abide by the speed limit at St Michaels, which after all is there to protect the public, including drivers.
“It is simply not safe to drive any faster. I understand that the police will continue to enforce the 30mph limit rigorously until the behaviour of drivers improves, so if motorists wish to avoid penalties for speeding, the remedy is in their own hands.”
Tay Bridgehead member Councillor Maggie Taylor added: “The speed limit signs are there for all drivers to see.
“To avoid any fines, I would urge all drivers to adhere to them.”
Photo by David Wardle