SPEEDING in the streets of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area is continuing to be a major concern.

The speed of traffic around schools is particularly a problem but in general many drivers' failure to adhere to the 20mph zones in communities has proved frustrating for the public and authorities.

So this spring the Central Fife Crime Prevention Panel and the Times is to jointly mount a campaign against speeding in the hope that it can bring to people's attention the dangers that it brings.

Panel chairman Colin Bird told Wednesday's panel meeting: "It is fair to say that while the schools have had particular problems over the past couple of years residents of many streets throughout the area have complained of drivers not adhering to the 20 limit and of the dangers that causes, especially for young families.

"With the lighter nights fast arriving we hope to engage with the police, local councillors and the Times to try and persuade people to stick to the maxim, '20's Plenty' in our towns and villages."

Times Chief Reporter, Jim Stark, commented: "The various ideas that the panel has had to increase road safety around schools have been excellent and the pop up messages are particularly effective.

"Hopefully this spring offensive on the issue can help focus drivers' minds on adhering to speed limits whether these be 20, 30, 40, 60 or 70 and increase road safety throughout the area."

There will be a number of ventures tried including the possibility of more Pop up Policemen with plastic speed cameras which have been effective in a number of the local towns and villages.

Added Colin: "Our aim has to be to make our streets safer this spring and we hope to announce some plans in the very near future."