Homemade speed bump could lead to criminal charges

Resident puts illegal traffic calming measure in place

Criminal charges could be brought against Cardenden residents who installed a speed bump outside a playpark.

Drivers on Whitehall Drive said they had been shocked by the “aggressive” measure, which was put in place last weekend.

The bump has since been removed and Fife Council has warned reinstating it could prompt legal action.

Ian Smith, for council traffic management, said: “This is an illegal obstruction of the road and one which could lead to criminal charges.

“We must stress there are public safety issues here and the person who installed the humps is liable to litigation if injury or damage is sustained by road users.

“We know that residents have concerns about road safety and vehicle speed.

“The request for additional traffic calming has been assessed against the other similar requests we receive and are prioritised on the basis of speed and police crash records to make the best use of the available budget.”

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said that it was likely the misguided measure had been taken with the best of intentions.

Many drivers failed to observe the 20mph speed limit through the residential area, she said, adding: “We had been out on Sunday and when we returned to our house it was just there in the street.

“I don’t know what has happened to it now though. The speed bump was black and yellow, like the ones you would find outside a supermarket.

“Fife Council had put up 20mph signs but to be honest a lot of the drivers just ignore them.

“At times there can be around 15 kids at that park and they are not always paying attention or looking out for cars so I can see why it was done.”

One driver who contacted The Courier said he had been angered by the actions of those who decided to implement the illegal traffic calming measure.

“It was like something you would find on an industrial estate,” he said. “It was a very aggressive speed bump. “There was just a sign on a bit of cardboard propped up against a lamp-post saying ‘ramp’. That was the only warning.”

Fife Council had put up 20mph signs but to be honest a lot of the drivers just ignore them

Picture: Kim Cessford. Signs near the playpark advise drivers to slow down but are often ignored, a resident said.