Call for speed guns to blast boy racers
Matt Meade • Published 5 Oct 2012 08:20
5 Comments
ROSYTH residents want to be given speed guns in a bid to stop boy racers whizzing through the town.
They are keen to catch culprits they say are responsible for making several side streets dangerous - because speed bumps don't do enough to slow them down.
Highlighted streets include Park Road, Backmarch Road and Woodside Avenue.
The call was made at a meeting of Rosyth Community Council on Tuesday evening.
It is hoped the suggestion could lead to groups of volunteers using police radar equipment at the roadside, similar to the 'Speedwatch' scheme used by Aberdour residents.
Councillor Mike Shirkie told the Press, "I think this is an excellent idea and I'd be fully behind it.
"There have been numerous complaints from across the town about speeding and the need to control it.
"I also think it gives the residents ownership - helping to cure the speeding problem instills a bit of pride in the town."
Despite Park Road being resurfaced with new speed bumps, speeding is still said to happen there regularly.
Chair of the community council, Gordon Duff, said, "I stay just off Park Road (in Cromwell Road) and know it's happening.
"Because the speed bumps aren't particularly high they get ignored and drivers fly over them.
"I would do it myself (operate speed guns) and it's something I would encourage."
The Speedwatch pilot in Aberdour started this year with Fife police working alongside the community council.
Trained volunteers wear luminous vests and use 'community speedwatch in operation' signs next to the operation.
More than three people must take part to corroborate vehicles' speed and registration plate.
Police have said the scheme is more about education than enforcement as those caught speeding by volunteers cannot be prosecuted.Instead, they are sent warning letters.
Mr Shirkie, who is now to raise the issue with Rosyth community police, disagreed that the scheme would be for 'vehicle vigilantes'.
He said, "The people that use them will be level-headed volunteers who have got the right attitude and are concerned about accidents happening because of speeding in their town."
Rosyth resident Bill King said, "Park Road is the main rat-run for Rosyth, it's a nightmare because of some of the speeding there. Woodside Avenue and Primrose Lane can also be bad so I'd put my name down and go for training."
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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Digs10276
12 posts
Oct 5, 13:44
Report commentNever mind the boy racers, they're needing them for the Buses on Primrose Lane who regularly top 40mph on what is supposed to be a service road with cars already parked on it.
Myself and my negihbours have complained about this time and again and eventually they put cables down in the road to measure the speed. What did they do? Of course they slowed down for the cables so when the test results came back, they showd a 'mean' overall speed of 28mph (which is still too fast imo) but this was deemed to be acceptable. This was due to several being measured at as low as 8mph!!
End result after more complaining, they put speed humps in, and made it a 20mph zone, which for buses was utterly pointless, since they can just drive over them, and ignore the 20mph speed limit.
Apprently bus drivers are above the law it would seem.....
Recommend?
Yes 12
No 5
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Ulysees
40 posts
Oct 7, 00:40
Report commentWho in their right mind would attempt speeding down Backmarch Road? there's more speed bumps there causing more harm (to the cars) than good!
What about placing some along Kings Road - where's there's not one but two schools right at the top? Or does this particular road generate far too much income from the so called safety / revenue generating cameras to warrant actually placing so form of speed restriction?
Both Backmarch Road and Woodside Avenue are an absolute ******* joke when it comes to speed bumps, I always drive cautiously along both these roads given the speed limit and the fact there's usually cars parked on both but any damage done to the suspension of my car and the bill will be going to Fife Council!
Recommend? Yes 4
No 2
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char
136 posts
Oct 7, 10:05
Report commentNo money is gained so nothing to do with that.
Better than speed bumps.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 2
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TheBruce
34 posts
Oct 8, 12:11
Report commentoooooh!!! WARNING letters bet they are really bricking it about the prospect of one of those landing on the door mat NOT!!
Recommend? Yes 2
No 1
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shurely72
332 posts
Oct 11, 16:09
Report commentulysees believe me when i say they still do speed down backmarch road. flying over the bumps is part of the fun.small islands such have pitcorthie have may be better
Recommend? Yes 0
No 0
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