Published: Thursday, 27th November, 2008 10:15
Drivers treating a Dunfermline road like Knockhill Racing Circuit
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AN MSP has slammed the “idiotic driving” on Halbeath Road he says could lead to tragedy.
Jim Tolson, Lib Dem MSP, has contacted Fife police to ask them to respond to residents’ claims the road has become dangerous because drivers are ignoring speed restrictions.
One resident said the road was “like Knockhill” at certain times, with both cars and buses speeding on the stretch between East End Park and the BP garage.
Mr Tolson said, “This issue was raised with me while representing the area as a local councillor a few years ago.
“I got police officers to join me on Halbeath Road and Garvock Hill and witnessed some idiotic driving.
“I can only suggest that the police do so again and possibly on a more frequent basis to catch, fine and thus deter those responsible before a serious accident turns into a tragedy.”
The issue was raised in a letter to the MSP from a Halbeath Road resident after he heard a collision in the street between a car and a council lorry last week.
He said, “Given that the car had its front removed and the truck its side torn away plus a broken prop shaft, the latter was hardly keeping to the speed limit which is 30mph.”
He added, “I am not surprised that a serious accident has occurred – this stretch of Halbeath Road from East End Park to the garage is a race track both ways.
“It does appear that the early hours are worse – Sunday between 7am and 8am is like Knockhill.”
He added, “Because there are now no regular speed checks by the police, apart from patrolling vehicles, the speed that all vehicles travel along Halbeath Road has increased, making it even more difficult for residents to exit their properties, particularly if reversing – you have less time to manoeuvre.”
A police spokesperson said, “The Fife Safety Camera Partnership deploy on Halbeath Road near to the hospital with a view to reducing speeds in an area used by vulnerable road users.
“Road Policing are not currently deploying units to this location as part of intelligence-led targeting of speed sites.
"However, areas are always under review and where a need is identified then resources can be committed.”
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