The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Elderly pedestrian latest to be killed on dual carriageway
Tributes paid to Thomas Beall, 81, who died following collision at accident blackspot
An elderly man has become the latest pedestrian to die on a notorious stretch of road in Kirkcaldy.
Thomas Beall, 81, was struck by a car on Dunnikier Way near Asda on his way home from the superstore.
He was pronounced dead at nearby Victoria Hospital where he was rushed by ambulance from the scene of the collision on Monday evening.
His family said they were mourning a “much loved” brother and uncle.
In 2004, a 10-year-old boy was knocked down and killed as he attempted to cross the same busy dual carriageway.
More recently, two women lost their lives at the pedestrian crossing near Asda when they were struck by a Land Rover Discovery in 2012.
In both cases, the drivers were speeding. The motorist in the 2004 tragedy was driving at 86mph at the time of the collision.
Figures obtained by The Courier last year revealed 30 drivers in three years had been issued with fixed penalty notices for speeding on Dunnikier Way, one of them travelling at more than 60mph in the 40mph zone.
Following Monday’s tragedy, Kirkcaldy councillor David Ross said: “I am very sad to hear of this tragic accident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
“We know that can be a dangerous part of the road, partly because of the behaviour of some motorists and some pedestrians.
“Until we hear of the exact circumstances (of the latest incident) it’s difficult to comment on whether there’s anything that could have prevented it.”
Tributes were paid on social media to Mr Beall.
George Adamson Pitcaithly said: “Knew him well, great old man, very independent, offered him a lift from the shops often, would only say ‘I’m OK, I’ll walk, son’. Rest in peace, Tam.”
Asda worker Vicky Duffy said she was heartbroken to learn of the accident, which occurred shortly after she joked with Mr Beall in the store.
She posted: “I was probably the last person to talk to him as I served him in Asda last night and watched him leave the store with a wee smile on his face as we were joking and laughing when he left.”
The road was shut for almost eight hours as investigations were carried out around the scene.
Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident, which involved a grey Ford Focus travelling westbound on the B981 at around 8.30pm, to get in touch.
Sergeant Ewan Pearce, of Fife’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our condolences are with Mr Beall’s family at this very sad time, who have described him as a much loved brother and uncle.
“Our inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
“Anyone who may have witnessed this, or who has information which may be able to assist with the investigation and has not yet spoken to officers, is urged to contact us.”
Police can be contacted by dialling 101 and quoting incident number 3797 of November 12.
We know that can be a dangerous part of the road, partly because of the behaviour of some motorists and some pedestrians. COUNCILLOR DAVID ROSS