Fife Greens call on Council to prioritise City Centre for people
The Fife Greens reaffirmed calls for Fife Council and the City of Dunfermline Area Committee to welcome walkers and wheelers by removing cars from Dunfermline High Street.
Currently Dunfermline’s High Street is a rat run of cars and vans, forcing shoppers and visitors to dodge vehicles and inhale toxic fumes. Whilst there is supposed to be a ban on vehicles between set times, there is little-to-no enforcement in place to tackle the growing number of drivers using the pedestrianised streets morning, noon and night.
Ryan Blackadder of the Fife Greens said: “Anybody who has visited the High Street knows there are no real rules to prohibit cars and vans. You are forced to make way for impatient drivers and move around abandoned vans making deliveries. It is not as welcoming a location to visit for shopping, dining or drinking as Dunfermline deserves.”
“Fife Council must speculate to accumulate. Introducing systems that would protect pedestrians and improve the city should be prioritised. £1.6million is earmarked for a “city square”, but what people actually want is a centre free of vehicles. Introduce cameras, fine drivers entering the central zone and reinvest the money in improving the space – it’s an obvious solution to an obvious problem.”
Documents presented to the City of Dunfermline Area Committee in April revealed retail space vacancies had passed 25.5% in the City Centre.
Mr Blackadder added: “Previously we suggested closing Bruce Street to traffic and introducing a social space where restaurants and cafes can have year-round outdoor seating, others have even suggested installing a canopy between the buildings to provide cover.
“This month Provost Jim Leishman revealed the units on Bruce Street sit empty as rents are simply too high for small businesses to operate. Let’s change that by creating a designated culture area, inspired by European café culture where people can eat and drink outdoors year-round, slash rents to get local businesses in and create a welcoming car free space.”
The Fife Greens welcome the area committee’s 10-year plan for changing Dunfermline City Centre but are ultimately disappointed by the accommodations still made for cars in our few spaces meant for people.