FIFE Council will go ahead with a new 20mph zone in Lochgelly despite an opponent arguing that the move would harm the town's economy.
It was one of four objections to the lower speed limit and said the area would suffer as people would avoid it due to longer journey times.
The Cowdenbeath area committee was told travel times may increase "slightly" but the new 20mph zones on the B981 Lumphinnans Road / Bank Street / Auchterderran Road and the B920 Station Road would improve road safety.
Councillor Linda Erskine said she was in favour of the lower speed limits but stated: "You say the increase in travel times is going to be minimal.
"I would suggest you haven't sat on the number 19 bus from Dunfermline to Lochgelly or Benarty because you're going to add some considerable time onto that service."
And she added: "I suspect the economy of Lochgelly will only improve once we get rid of the buildings that need demolished because of fire-raising that's been going on."
The committee decided in September that public consultation should take place before proceeding with the lower speed limits.
That led to four objections and Keith Johnston, from the council's traffic management service, said: "One specific objection was that the 20mph limit would negatively affect the economy of Lochgelly.
"It was claimed people would avoid the area because of the speed limit and that travel times would be affected."
He said studies suggested that travel times may increase "slightly" and that the perception of better road safety may encourage "increased footfall" which would benefit the town's economy.
Based on data from the Department of Transport, in areas where 20mph signs have been installed, journey times increased by three per cent in residential areas and five per cent in city centres.
The committee was told: "This adds less than half a minute to a two-mile trip and less than a minute to a five-mile trip."
And the committee report added: "With proposals for all our towns and villages in Fife (where there is not already 20 mph throughout), there is no reason to expect investors and customers would choose other towns to avoid Lochgelly due to 20mph."
Transportation officers also addressed concerns including the adverse impact on traffic flow, congestion and pollution, as well as the view drivers won't comply and the police won't enforce the limit.
Mr Johnston concluded: "In total, 12 of the 14 recorded injury collisions in Lochgelly took place on roads that we're proposing for 20mph."
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