Drivers face wave of new 20mph speed limits as councillors back major road shake-up

Drivers could soon face a wave of new 20mph speed limits under council plans affecting three communities, with fresh parking restrictions also set to be introduced in a fourth village.Fife Council approved the proposals at a meeting of the North East Fife Area Committee on Thursday, paving the way for a public consultation before any final decisions are made.The planned changes would affect Largoward, Boarhills and Tayport, while new parking restrictions have also been proposed for Pitlessie. The measures form part of the council's wider efforts to improve road safety, make traffic flow more smoothly and improve access for motorists, pedestrians and businesses across North East Fife. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Councillors also approved a right-of-way diversion as part of the package that will now go out for consultation. Largoward is set to see some of the biggest changes under the proposals. New permanent 20mph speed limits would be introduced on St Andrews Road, Durham Place and sections of Cupar Road. The village's existing part-time 20mph speed limit outside the local school would also become a permanent restriction under the plans. To help drivers adjust before entering the lower-speed area, new 40mph buffer zones would be introduced on the B941 to the south of the village and on the A915 to the north.The council said these changes have been designed to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians while creating a more consistent speed limit throughout the village. Boarhills would also see new 20mph limits introduced on the U059 and Old Edinburgh roads after residents raised concerns about speeding and road safety. Meanwhile, Tayport's existing 20mph network would be expanded to provide more consistent coverage across the town. The extended speed limits would apply to the B946 Albert Street, the B945 Queen Street as far as the southern edge of the play park, and Glebe Place. LATEST DEVELOPMENTSMandatory in-car technology 'letting down drivers' as dangerous mistakes prompt new safety rulesUK drivers choosing Chinese cars at record rate as BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda dominate salesPopular vehicles could disappear from roads soon as car brands ditch once-iconic modelsAlongside the speed limit proposals, councillors also backed plans for new parking restrictions in Pitlessie. The village has experienced problems with parked vehicles blocking roads, restricting deliveries and making it harder for motorists to see clearly at junctions.Under the proposals, 'no waiting at any time' restrictions would be introduced on the High Street beside the Pitlessie Inn car park and delivery entrance. The council explained this would improve access for delivery vehicles while also increasing visibility for road users. A further section of no waiting restrictions is also planned for Cupar Road opposite The Wynd junction. The move is aimed at preventing vehicles from parking in a location where they have reportedly been blocking access for other motorists. Although councillors have approved the proposals, the measures have not yet been given final approval.Instead, the Traffic Regulation Orders will now be published for public consultation, allowing residents to review the plans and submit their views before any decision is taken.Area Convener Councillor Jonny Tepp said: These proposals are all about improving safety and accessibility across our communities. Importantly, today's decision is about moving these ideas forward so local people can have their say. We encourage residents to take part in the consultation process and share their views before any final decisions are made. Residents will now be able to examine the plans, including detailed maps, before the council decides whether to press ahead with the new speed limits and parking restrictions across North East Fife. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter