TO SHOW bad drivers they mean business residents in Dunfermline have joined police officers in their fight to tackle speeding. 

Central Dunfermline Community Council have had two of their members volunteer to help keep speeds down in problem areas in recent weeks. 

Communities have been identifying roads that are traffic concerns and have been trained in the use of speed guns.

Jim Stewart, chairman of Central Dunfermline Community Council, said: “Members have the view that Woodmill Terrace is a difficult road and that cars in the area go too fast. 

“A speed measuring survey was carried out no so long ago showing that the average speeds were not excessive and it was only the odd driver but they were still causing a risk. 

“We decided to get involved in a community speed watch operation organised by the police and two members have now had training on using the speed gun.

"When they carried out their first survey they were very concerned with the excessive speeds of some individuals.”

Any cars that are caught travelling faster than 37 mph on these operations are recorded and logged into police systems. 

The drivers are then sent a letter of warning. Volunteers have also been joined by ‘Pop-Up Jim’ – a life-sized cardboard policeman with a speed gun. 

Jim added: “When drivers are sent an informative letter I would hope that they would listen. They don’t get a fine – it’s only advisory – but we believe that it does work. 

“There’s need for traffic matters to be driven by locals. It brings the police and the local community together on a different level too that residents take on board. 

“Even though the average speed along Woodmill Terrace wasn’t too worrying, we still want to do something to highlight the traffic issues there. 

“So we are proposing to put a ‘Smiley face’” sign up. We will investigate what the cost of that might be and we will consider what to do next.”

Aberdour Community Council has also seen success in seeing members going out to catch speeders. Police are currently looking for volunteers to take part in another survey. 

Ian Fleming, chairman of Aberdour Community Council, said: “It was very effective last time. It raised awareness of traffic issues with residents and children and there’s been calls to do it again. 

“Since then, we now have a 20 mph speed limit throughout the village and speed humps are also being completed.” 

Police are encouraging others to get involved in this joint initiative. If you’re interested, email your name and contact details to DunfermlineCentralCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk.