Call for road safety review as family pay tribute to Fife mum

Concerns: Unlit route is used by schoolchildren walking to Waid Academy

A road safety review has been demanded following the death of Fife mother Josie Fernie.

Mrs Fernie, 53, was fatally injured after being involved in a collision with a motorcycle on the A917 Anstruther to Pittenweem road.

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has called for the popular route for walking school children to be examined for safety flaws.

Mrs Fernie’s family paid tribute to a “remarkable” wife and mother.

In a statement released by Police Scotland, the family said: “Josephine was a remarkable woman who would do anything for anyone.

“The most loving, caring wife anyone could have as well as the most loving mum in the world, always there when you wanted a laugh.”

Originally from Alva in Clackmannanshire, Mrs Fernie worked for Fife Council and lived in Anstruther.

It is understood Mrs Fernie had walked to Pittenweem along the dark stretch of road to take her dog out for a walk.

Meanwhile, Mr Rennie urged Fife Council to carry out a probe in the area, highlighting the fact that local school children walk along the stretch of narrow country road, which has no lighting.

“For some time there have been concerns about safe routes to school,” he said.

“Children from Pittenweem have to walk along that road to get to Waid Academy.

“There’s quite a lot of anger and frustration about the safety of that section of road.

“Nobody knows whether this accident could have been prevented.

“But given there are long standing concerns, it would be an appropriate time to respond to this with a proper review.”

Fife Council lead professional Colin Stirling said: “We are aware of the incident on the A917 last week and are working closely with the police as this is still under investigation. “At this time there are no plans for additional road improvements or lighting in the area but we will continue working closely with the police as part of their investigation.”

The 45-year-old driver of the Triumph TT600 motorcycle involved in the accident is still being treated at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for injuries he sustained at the scene.

Police are investigating the accident and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

Inspector Brenda Sinclair of Fife’s roads policing unit said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Josephine’s family as they come to terms with their terrible loss.

“Inquiries into the full circumstances of this collision are still ongoing and I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible,” she said.

“Anyone with information are asked to contact police officers on 101, quoting incident number 2743, of November 16.” arobertson@thecourier.co.uk

Josie Fernie was a “remarkable” wife and mother.