A St Andrews councillor wants to scrap plans for pavement extensions and spend the cash on cycle paths instead.
Robin Lawson has branded the £550,000 South Street proposals “an enormous waste of public money”.
And he says it is now time to reflect on the best use of Fife Council budgets.
Mr Lawson’s comments came as north east Fife councillors agreed to the introduction of double yellow lines alongside the build-outs.
It is hoped they will stop drivers parking next to them and blocking the road.
A proposed transport regulation order (TRO) will now go to public consultation at an additional cost of £2,000.
One councillor said the move was welcome following complaints of parking “carnage”.
However, Mr Lawson stated: “This enormous waste of public money cannot be allowed to continue.
“It is time for a proper financial analysis of the options, taking into account the needs of all businesses and residents on South Street, as well as the priorities for where active travel funding should be spent.”
‘Charge South Street businesses and spend cash on cycle paths’
He said these options should include charging hospitality businesses who use the pavement for tables and chairs.
This would then help pay for the South Street scheme while freeing up money to improve cycle paths.
Temporary build-outs were created on St Andrews South Street to allow more space for social distancing during covid.
And in March, councillors approved plans to replace them with permanent stone extensions.
Mr Lawson, who quit the Conservatives for Reform UK in May, was not involved in the decision following previous criticisms of the scheme.
He said: “A petition for improvements to the safety of the cycle path to Guardbridge got over 400 signatures.
“And a cycle path to Strathkinness has been talked about for 20 years but nothing has happened yet.
“These cycle paths would seem to be proper uses of active travel budgets.”
Response to Mr Lawson’s suggestions
Others welcomed theTRO’s promotion amid ongoing South Street parking issues.
SNP councillor Louise Kennedy-Dalby said: “There have been requests for double yellows because parking is causing carnage.”
Meanwhile, the council’s parking manager Susan Keenlyside said charging businesses for use of the pavement has not been ruled out.
“We would discuss any moves to change the current set up with affected businesses before any decisions are made,” she said.
Regarding the cycle path, she added: “The petition referred to by Councillor Lawson was presented to north east Fife area committee in October.
“We know a short section of the path at Edenside does not meet modern design guidance and a feasibility study is underway to look at improvement options.”
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