Published: Thursday, 11th February, 2010 9:10am

Council helps Andrew avoid speed bumps in his scooter

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A CHARLESTOWN pensioner who risked tipping his mobility scooter on speed cushions every time he left his home has prompted Fife Council into action.

Andrew Macmillan (79), The Cairns, has to manoeuvre his battery-powered scooter - top speed six mph - into the middle of the village's West Road to avoid the bumps, risking potential collisions with vehicles.

Now the local authority will tarmac the side of the road, allowing him to drive more safely into the village and out west towards Crombie.

The former lorry driver said, "When the speed bumps went up I complained that I had to go into the middle of the road to get through.

"There's a grass verge on one side and mud on the other so they will put tarmac on one side so I can get past.

"There's often nowhere I can get on or off the pavement, either because there are no dips in the pavement or people park their cars on them."

He laughed, "Now I'll get out when I can to get some fresh air and see the sights!"

Mr Macmillan, who has lung disease emphysema, added that three other mobility scooter users based in the village would also benefit.

The issue was first taken on by MSP Jim Tolson who visited the road with a Fife Council roads official last month, leading to the decision.

Charlestown is a 20mph zone and West Road has speed cushions as well as an electronic sign which flashes should drivers exceed the limit.

Mr Tolson said, "Fife Council has been very helpful. They will cut away part of the banking at the speed bump to allow Mr Macmillan access because if he went at an angle over the cushion he would fall over - it's a small vehicle with small wheels.

"I'm happy that something is being done to help him."

Fife Council confirmed that workers would install a hard-standing area at the bumps by cutting into a verge at the side of the road.

A wall by the verge will be checked for structural soundness before work will start.