Fife could soon have its first fixed speed cameras in a bid to put the brakes on dangerous drivers.
Local community groups could adopt state-of-the-art speed detectors that have already caught thousands of motorists across the country.
Plans are being developed to have the systems installed in Coaltown of Balgonie, Kinglassie and Leslie in response to public calls to tackle speeding drivers.
While operated by local community organisations, plans are being developed to get police backing, who would send warning letters to offenders or even visit dangerous drivers at their homes.
“Speeding is one of the biggest issues in the town and the surrounding areas,” said councillor Bill Brown, chair of the Glenrothes area committee.
“In Kinglassie I am aware of drivers going through here sometimes at 40 or 50 miles per hour, which is just incredible.
“We do not want that and we want to change the attitudes of some people when driving in built-up areas.
“We want people to know that when they are going through the Glenrothes area they have to watch their speed.”
Operating 24 hours a day, the cameras have the ability to recognise number plates, allowing the system to catch repeat offenders.
Letters could then be sent to drivers who break the law, warning them that they will be prosecuted if they continue to speed.
While the cameras and software cost around £5,000 per unit, it is hoped that council funding may allow the equipment to be leased for a certain period of time, dramatically cutting costs.
There would also be scope to move the equipment if necessary, should further trouble spots be identified.
A trial conducted in Gloucestershire earlier this year, utilising the same system, detected 28,000 motorists in under four weeks.
Fife currently has no fixed speed cameras, although the Fife Safety Camera Partnership uses mobile units at known accident hotspots to trace speeding drivers.
Community Speedwatch schemes also exist in some Fife towns, however, Mr Brown said that this system would offer considerable benefits in stopping speeding in known problem areas.
“This would work alongside the Community Speedwatch schemes and the police,” he added. “This is about changing attitudes.
“In my view it is far better when drivers are given the opportunity to change their ways first instead of being given a £60 fine straight away.”
