LOCHS councillors have slammed speeding drivers in Benarty who ‘are putting lives in danger’.

In the Times Letters page a correspondent said that they were shocked by the way some vehicles careered their way from Lochgelly, up into Crosshill, Lochore and Ballingry.

The letter writer talked about cars and other vehicles speeding up Lochleven Road, causing a lot of danger for pedestrians.

Councillors Willie Clarke and Alex Campbell this week agreed with the letter writer that people’s lives are being put at risk and will be taking the matter to Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

Said chairman of the Area Committee, Councillor Clarke, “I would fully agree with the comments made by the correspondent.

“Too many vehicles pay little or no attention to the speed limits on the roads through South Glencraig; Main Street, Crosshill; Lochleven Road, Lochore; and running in to Ballingry.” So concerned are the councillors they invited Fife Council transportation department officer, Scott Blyth, to go out with them onto stretches of the highways concerned and he saw at first hand what was happening.

Councillor Campbell added, “It is simply unacceptable the speed of some motorists. The vast majority behave properly but there are too many driving through Benarty at dangerous speeds and we have asked for a survey of levels on the main roads through the four villages.” Councillor Clarke said that parked vehicles on Lochleven Road were not too much of a problem as the use of restrictions for the most part worked, although there were a couple of areas that perhaps needed extra measures.

“The pelican crossings in Lochore and Crosshill are helping give pedestrians a safe avenue to cross the busy main road but even these are put under pressure by the speeds some drivers are using,” he added.

“And some people have to take their lives in their hands to cross stretches of this road, especially at Garry Park and Manse Road, Glencraig, where residents crossing to the bus stop on the east side are particularly vulnerable.” Councillor Campbell concluded, “It is bad driving from bad drivers which is the root cause of the problem and we want to find exactly what can be done to stop this before lives are lost.

“We would appeal to drivers to think when they get behind the wheel and consider the speed limits in force in Benarty. Think before you put lives in danger.” The councillors will also be asking the police to become involved.