A Fife-wide 40mph speed limit has been suggested as a method of reducing the number of accidents on the region’s roads.
Councillor Bill Porteous reckons cutting the limit on all but dual carriageways and the motorway would be good for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, the environment and the economy.
The East Neuk and Landward member wants to start a debate on the notion of ‘Forty for Fife’ and has encouraged people to voice their opinion.
Under his proposals traffic would be restricted to 40mph on all single carriageway roads in the kingdom apart from those where the limit is already lower, such as in towns and villages.
This would include most of the A92 trunk road from north of Glenrothes to Dundee.
Although the number of people killed or injured on Fife’s roads has fallen in recent years, last year still saw 10 people killed and 87 seriously hurt.
Mr Porteous said that as one of the region’s new councillors returned in May’s election he was looking at longstanding problems in local communities with fresh eyes.
He said: “Many constituents I have met already or who have contacted me by email and phone are deeply concerned with road safety in this mostly rural area and small-size towns and villages.
“So I would like to start a debate open to all.
“Should all roads in Fife have a maximum speed limit of 40mph?”
The Liberal Democrat member said: “This would be good for the safety of children and the elderly and good for us all.
“It would be good for the environment, good for cyclists, safer for motorcyclists and good for fuel economy.
“There would be cost savings as all the plethora of road signs littering the highways could be removed.
“It would be good for locals and tourists alike as they would be able to safely see the beautiful scenery of Fife.”
However, the suggestion was blasted by a campaign group pressing for improvements in road safety and realistic speed limits.
Hugh Bladon, of the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “This is completely and utterly nonsensical.
“The worst aspect could be that it brings speed limits into disrepute.
“Speed limits will only work if they are respected by drivers.”
Mr Bladon pointed out that traditionally local speed limits were based on the 85th percentile, the speed which 85 per cent of vehicles were not exceeding.
He said: “The 60mph speed limit is already outdated, as most modern cars are completely capable of going at 60mph without any problem.
“Of course, 60mph is going to be too fast sometimes, but that is due to conditions and people should drive according to the conditions rather than because of a number on a post at the side of the road.”
