Parents demand action over blackspot
Gary Fitzpatrick • Published 15 Oct 2012 12:00
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PARENTS are demanding urgent action over an accident black-spot right next to a Dunfermline primary school.
The barriers outside Masterton Primary have been lying damaged for weeks after the latest in a string of accidents.
A local councillor says traffic calming measures are essential to remove the fear of further collisions and ensure children can walk to school in safety.
Anxious parent Paul Greer, of Sandpiper Drive, has serious concerns over the design of the roundabout and nearby pedestrian crossing describing the current situation as "completely unacceptable".
Mr Greer said, "There have been countless accidents at the roundabout in the four and a half years I've been living in the area.
"I'm not sure the council realise the extent of the problem because I don't think all of the accidents are reported.
"The cars come from east to west travelling too fast, lose control and end up hitting the barriers outside the school.
"There needs to traffic calming measures put in to slow down the cars approaching the roundabout.
"There is also a problem with the traffic travelling west to east. There's traffic lights just before the roundabout. Some drivers seem to be concentrating too much on the roundabout and don't notice the lights.
"There are examples all the time of cars driving through the lights where the children cross to school.
"There is no crossing patrol officer so the children have to get over the road themselves. My son Thomas, who is eleven, and daughter Kate, who is eight, have been coming home telling me about cars driving through red lights.
"They're also getting good at taking down the number plates which I've been passing on to the police.
Dunfermline South Councillor, Cara Hilton said, "I've lost count of the number of times the railings outside Masterton Primary School have been damaged by speeding motorists.
"the railings are now so badly damaged that they are partially blocking the pavement near the school entrance.
"This is simply unacceptable and it is an accident waiting to happen. Over the past few months, I have made a number of representations to Fife Council transportation officials to seek a permanent solution.
"these railings have now been down since before the schools went back in August and I am now demanding urgent action to address this problem before it is too late.
The Labour councillor added, "This is not just about fixing the railings, urgent action needs to be taken to slow down cars approaching the roundabout outside Masterton Primary.
"I have asked for Fife transportation to put in place as quickly as possible the necessary speed calming measures to ensure that children can walk to Masterton School safely, without the constant fear of another car mounting the pavement or crashing into the railings."
Iain Henderson, lead professional, Traffic Management (South) said, "Fife Council is committed to improving the safety and reducing the number of accidents on the roads in the area.
"A temporary barrier has been in place since the original barrier was damaged. To avoid the work being done during term time the work was postponed until the October holidays and a replacement barrier has now been fitted.
"At present the area does not meet any of the trigger points for traffic calming measures to be introduced.
"However, with various representations from local people on making the road even safer we are currently promoting a traffic regulation order to install a raised speed table at the crossing which will further improve pedestrian safety and, reduce vehicle speeds at this location.
"This is in addition to the existing controlled pedestrian crossing, the part-time 20 mph zone outside the school and the reduction of the permanent speed limit to 30 mph. We will of course continue to monitor the situation and make any changes needed."
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Chromedome
17 posts
Oct 15, 13:23
Report commentAgree wholeheartedly about the roads around Sandpiper drive, and especially the roundabouts.
At the moment I work for a large company based down there (until something better can be found) and the amount of oil/diesel on the road is downright dangerous. As a motorcyclist it's not the first time I've had a wheel just about slip out from under here, and that was at a speed of 15MPH (honest, Officer). One of my work colleagues (again a careful chap) was not so lucky, but was not too badly injured thankfully.
Oil on road..... sharp turns on mini roundabouts...... potentially lethal combination.
I can't say I've seen any drivers driving through red lights, but I HAVE seen a *minority* of drivers travelling over the signposted speed limits. However, it only takes one to cause serious injury or worse.
Recommend?
Yes 5
No 1
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DannyAtkins
33 posts
Oct 15, 14:07
Report commentI drive that road on a regular basis and find that most of the offenders are PARENTS DRIVING THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL!!!
Look what has happened through in Kelty where traffic calming was introduced, yet they are still having problems, mainly due to inconsiderate, selfish and above all, ignorant parents.
Recommend? Yes 28
No 1
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cutiefox12
33 posts
Oct 15, 14:33
Report commentcouldn't agree anymore, it is the same at Crossford primary, cars parked everywhere and at both sides of the road. It is a case of lets protect their children but endanger other kids. I spoke to traffic wardens who were patrolling one day, they said they were powerless just there to advise the drivers, needless to say they are still being ignored.
Recommend? Yes 18
No 1
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SmarmyGit
316 posts
Oct 16, 09:07
Report commentIts the same outside anyevery school in Fife between half 8and 9 then 3 till 4, god forbid if wee Timmy and parent had to actually WALK 20 yards.....every small street outside every school is chock a block at school run time, yes even parked over the SCHOOL DO NO NOT PARK yellow markings and yes even on the zig zags that lead up to pedestrian crossings. How ironic is it that 'some' of the parents are bleating for things to be sorted and it'll be the same parents that are causing most of the trouble......
Recommend? Yes 23
No 1
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