A campaign to improve a notorious Glenrothes road junction has been boosted by the support of a leading local businessman.
Farmer Robert Balfour has called for roundabouts to be constructed on the A92 at Balfarg, as well as at Freuchie and Ladybank, claiming that to do so would improve safety on the trunk road.
He said: “We have seen enough reports and studies on this road. Plans for Balfarg have been going on for more than 20 years.
“Those of us who use the road everyday know what needs to be done and what the priorities are. Altering speed limits and painting white lines is only tinkering at the edges.
“I would suggest that the priorities are roundabouts at Balfarg, Freuchie and Ladybank in that order and they should be done as funds are made available.
“A roundabout at Freuchie should also slow the traffic through the village and a zebra crossing should be put in to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.”
In a letter to Transport Scotland, Mr Balfour said that while Fife’s farming industry was fortunate to be located in close proximity to many of its markets, the A92 was a key route regularly used by agricultural vehicles.
Describing the route as “vital” to farming, he said that a roundabout at Balfarg was essential, adding: “I have taken tractor and trailer through both (Balfarg and Freuchie) junctions but more particularly through Balfarg on a frequent basis.
“It is not possible to put a tractor and trailer, or an arctic lorry, in between the two carriageways without doing it diagonally or you leave the trailer in the fast lane.”
Ron Page, chair of the North Glenrothes Community Council, has welcomed Mr Balfour’s support, saying: “This shows how important the A92 is for agriculture and for the Fife economy.
“The A92 is an old road and is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century.”
Earlier this month, Scotland’s transport minister, Humza Yousaf, visited the route near the Balfarg junction to meet with the grandparents of a young boy killed crossing the stretch last year.
A report on exactly what can be done to cut the number of accidents between Balfarg and Cadham junctions will be complete by the end of this year.
Transport Scotland, which operates the trunk road, has always maintained that it adopts a “comprehensive” approach to safety on the route and has repeatedly liaised with local communities over any concerns.
More than £24 million has been invested on the stretch since 2007.
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk.
