A serious accident on the A92 on Tuesday night has prompted renewed calls for action at a notorious junction.
A 53-year-old motorcyclist remained in a critical condition in hospital yesterday following the collision at the Balfarg junction in Glenrothes.
The man, from the Springfield area, was taken to Ninewells Hospital with spinal injuries after his BMW bike was in a collision with a silver Vauxhall Corsa at about 7.50pm.
It was one of two serious incidents on Fife’s roads on Tuesday evening.
In the other, a 67-year-old woman suffered numerous broken bones after being involved in a collision with a car in Leven.
She had been crossing Scoonie Road on foot at 4.55pm when she was struck by a grey Nissan Qashqai.
Part of Scoonie Road was closed near the Letham Glen roundabout for around five hours and diversions were in place.
A petition calling for upgrades to the A92, particularly at Balfarg junction, was closed by the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee in January after Transport Scotland concluded no action should be taken to improve the route.
Balfarg junction is seen as a particular hazard and is often avoided by locals, and Glenrothes Area Futures Group (GAFG) said better signs and a roundabout would lead to some improvement.
However, Transport Scotland’s report said that while a roundabout there would improve safety, it would cause delays and damage the environment.
This was seen as a bitter blow to campaigners who pledged to continue their fight for improvements.
They said they were disappointed the transport minister had “chosen to turn a blind eye” to concerns acknowledged by politicians of all parties, and asked how many serious accidents there would have to be before action was taken.
After Tuesday’s crash, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker called on the Scottish Government to listen to the concerns of local people.
“It is awful news that there has been another accident on the A92 and my thoughts are with the motorcyclist and his family at this time,” she said.
“That another accident has taken place on a stretch of road where the people of Glenrothes have been raising their concerns for many years is simply unacceptable.
“It is time the Scottish Government listen to these concerns before another tragic accident takes place, and changes must now be made to make this road safer.”
Fife Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed either accident to contact them.
Head of road policing, Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale, said: “We are currently investigating these collisions and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed them, or indeed has any relevant information, to contact the Police on 0845 600 5702.”
cwarrender@thecourier.co.uk