A DUNFERMLINE resident with “an axe to grind” over problem parking is thought to be behind a fake letter claiming to be from Fife Council.

The document, which looks authentic, dropped through letter boxes of homes in the Arthur Street and Townhill Road area and informs owners of a ban on leaving their vehicles on the pavement and blocking driveways.

It says it’s in response to “an increase in the number of complaints” and is penned by a Dave Clarke, head of infrastructure, maintenance and design. No such person works for the council in such a role.

After offering guidance over parking, the letter advices recipients who require further information to “first refer to the Highway Code Regulations” before contacting the council or Police Scotland.

Phil Clarke, the council’s lead consultant in traffic management, said the letter was fake and added: “It appears that a local resident has produced and circulated a letter which is neither accurate or appropriate with regard to the Highway Code rules for parking and driving on footways.

“We’ve informed Police Scotland of this letter which falsely claims to be from Fife Council.

“However, it’s important to note that anyone who drives on a pavement or parks their vehicle so that it causes an obstruction could be committing a road traffic offence and may be liable for prosecution. Incidents can be reported to Police Scotland on 101.”

Local councillor Ian Ferguson said: “The letter does look the part and there are four or five suggestions on it – one of them is factually correct but the other ones aren’t quite right. It is a false letter and the things being suggested don’t stack up.

“I can imagine it being a resident who has just had enough. Parking is an ongoing issue and the traffic in Arthur Street and Townhill Road is an issue but this letter is just scaremongering and I think it is unfortunate.

“The Scottish Government has introduced new transport rules and one of them is related to double parking and parking on pavements.

“If everything in the transport act is implemented, potentially councils could say you can’t park on the pavement but it would be a huge issue trying to police or traffic warden it.

“There aren’t enough traffic wardens in Dunfermline to implement that so I am not sure even if the law came in if people would be able to enforce it. However, the council should be looking at doing something about the traffic on Arthur Street.”