No end in sight to road woes

Sir, - Police Scotland statistics show that there has been a drop in deaths and serious injuries on Fife roads in the past year.

However, before we all pat ourselves on the back let’s think a bit more about this.

There is no doubt speed has been a major factor in most tragic road accidents.

However, of late – because of the shocking state of many road surfaces – drivers are driving more slowly than they once did, as they keep a wary eye out for the next pothole they’re going to hit.

My on-board car computer tells me that while my average speed in 2016 was 33mph, it is now only 27mph.

On January 17 this year I alerted Fife Council to an exceedingly pot-holed area near Ladybank but I got no reply to my letter.

Last week that same area cost me a new tyre for its sidewall blew out completely and an area of rubber the size of a chocolate box just disappeared instantly.

I also suggest that readers keep a watchful eye on road surfaces in areas around trafficcalming systems because the reduced road width at such points is being forced to carry twice the volume of traffic.

No wonder the tarmac starts to break up there.

If the local council leaves the roads in their currently shocking condition, then road deaths may well remain low as driver speed goes down – but it is worth bearing in mind that the cost of repairs to vehicle suspensions and tyres will likely continue to rise. Archibald A Lawrie. 5 Church Wynd, Kingskettle.

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Genuine examples of racial or religious prejudice should be strenuously opposed. However, Councillor Dempster is being unfairly victimised for a single unguarded word