A road frequented by “boy racers” and heavy goods traffic should have its speed limit cut to 40mph, according to a local councillor.

Fife and coastal villages councillor Mino Manekshaw says the 60mph limit on the C53 road at Bowershall is “inappropriate”.

He has asked Fife Council transport officers to consider reducing the limit to 40mph from the junction with the B915 at Balmule Fishery to the ward boundary just south of Bowershall – but is also exploring whether that can be extended to the northern edge of Townhill.

Officers have agreed to report back with options at the next south and west Fife area committee meeting in October.

“Bowershall is considered to be a rural community with no street lighting or pavements, in common with so many other rural communities throughout Scotland,” Cllr Manekshaw said.

“But it is within walking distance of a large number of commercial operations, guaranteeing a lot of traffic.

“We’ve got a wide range of vehicles and a high traffic volume. Despite the fact it is a rural community it’s such a busy thoroughfare, and one of the main exits from Dunfermline going north.”

The C53 begins is heavily trafficked by goods and agricultural vehicles travelling in both directions to access sites such as the skip hire firm WM Russell & Sons and the M90 Commerce Park industrial estate.

It also forms part of National Cycle Route 1, the longest cycling route in Britain.

Conservative councillor Manekshaw says local residents, together with the Townhill Community Council and local police, are concerned about the level of traffic as well as the use of the road by what Cllr Manekshaw termed “boy racers”.

He believes some of those maximising the speed limit were travelling from Dunfermline to Knockhill Racing Circuit for trackdays. The circuit is just a few miles away from Bowershall, as the crow flies.

He added: “We always talk about people travelling at an appropriate speed but we never talk about appropriate speed limits.

“My contention is that the speed limit is too high. People don’t realise that 60mph is 88 feet per second – it’s very fast.”

Cllr Manekshaw’s motion to explore options for the C53 was tabled at last week's south and west Fife area committee, seconded by his Labour ward-mate Bobby Clelland. Councillors accepted the motion unanimously, and reports are expected on October 6.