Plan to assess blanket 30mph limit on roads

Dunfermline: Councillors agree to investigate pros and cons of introducing a 30mph limit on all single-carriageway roads in the town

A report is to be drawn up to assess the implications of introducing a blanket 30mph speed limit on all single carriageway roads in Dunfermline.

Councillors on the City of Dunfermline area committee have agreed to investigate what effect the measure would have on communities after it was raised by Liberal Democrat councillor James Calder in response to residents’ concerns.

Mr Calder, who represents Dunfermline South, said he had been contacted by a number of constituents in relation to fast-moving traffic in residential areas, in particular in the town’s Carnegie Avenue and Lapwing Drive.

He put forward a motion to ensure the maximum speed limit for all single carriageways in Dunfermline should be no more than 30mph, as well as asking the committee to continue to encourage the creation of 20mph speed limits in residential streets.

However, with some councillors expressing reservations about such a move, council officials have now been asked to draw up a report that will look at the impact a 30mph limit would have.

Mr Calder, who accepted an amendment to his motion by Labour councillor Garry Haldane calling for a report into the issue, said he was “delighted” by the outcome.

“We should hopefully see a report soon with the implications of making single carriageways in Dunfermline a maximum 30mph speed limit,” he said.

“This will have obvious benefits in safety, especially as children have to cross some of these roads for school buses.

“We should also see environmental benefits and reduce noise pollution for residents who live along these roads.

“Finally, this will show Dunfermline is leading the way in an era where urban areas are putting safety over speed first.”

Mr Calder’s motion was seconded by Conservative councillor David J Ross, who said: “Slowing down cars to 30mph is a step forward and is basically a no-brainer.”

However, SNP Councillor Fay Sinclair, who seconded Mr Haldane’s amendment, said implementing a blanket policy without assessing implications elsewhere would be “premature”.

“I would like to see a proper evidencebased approach because it’s not just that one street affected,” she said.

“There are about half a dozen streets that could be impacted by this.”

After Mr Calder accepted the administration amendment, council officers pledged to work on a report that is expected to come back before the committee within a matter of months.

This will have obvious benefits in safety, especially as children have to cross some of these roads for school buses. JAMES CALDER

Picture: Steven Brown Residents of Carnegie Avenue have complained about the amount of fast-moving traffic.