Claim that 20mph zones are the best way to protect communities

Council chiefs have been told that only the imposition of widespread 20mph speed limits will protect Kinross-shire communities from harm.

The call has come from villages and hamlets along the route of the busy A977, which has been the scene of numerous accidents in recent years.

There has also been considerable support for the introduction of vehicle-activated signs at village gateways.

The demands are the result of a consultation undertaken by councillors Mike Barnacle and Dave Cuthbert into road safety on the east to west route.

It is used by a high volume of traffic daily and is a popular cross country route with heavy goods vehicles but ploughs through the heart of many small communities.

Mr Barnacle, who has been leading a consultation on how council cash should be spent within Kinross-shire, said he believed road safety would be an appropriate use.

“There has been a real groundswell of support for road safety measures,” he said.

“We received significant feedback from residents. It is clear there is very strong community support for 20mph zones in particular.

“It would not be appropriate for there to be long stretches of reduced speed limit. That would not work. Instead, the 20mph zones suggested would be in the very centre of the villages.”

Mr Barnacle said he was surprised more people had not been keen to introduce roundabouts to the road.

“As long as there is a straight road without bends or impediments such as roundabouts – as there is at Blairingone and between Crook of Devon and Drum – then people will exceed the speed limit,” he added.