Road safety efforts lead to long-awaited changes

An ‘UNCHECABLE’ campaign to reduce the speed limit near a school where drivers were clocked at almost 80mph has finally succeeded – after Barnsley Council highways bosses gave the go-ahead to the move of an investigation.

Members of the ’30 For A Reason’ group – which centers around Millhouse Primary School on Lee Lane in Millhouse Green – have been calling for action to be taken for years, supported by local MPs and councillors.

Currently a 40mph road, the A628 will have a 30mph limit following a council investigation into its dangerous pinch points after the highways team discovered a plethora of problems with its current condition.

Of the city’s more than 70 primary schools, it is the only one to have a 40 mph limit outside its gates.

An investigation report, seen by the Chronicle, states: “Barnsley Council, in 2021, received a government grant to improve road safety along the A628.

“Several locations have been identified as priorities for improvement along the route: the A628 Barnsley Road, Penistone and the A628 Manchester Road at Thurlstone and Millhouse.

“Historically, these sections of road have experienced congestion, delays, inconsiderate and obstructive parking leading to pinch points and significant impacts on visibility at intersections as well as obstructions and inconvenience to pedestrians, stroller users/ wheelchairs and other vulnerable road users.

“Following the introduction of technical improvements to the A628 Manchester Road at Millhouse Green, the council has committed to investigating reducing the existing speed limit from 40mph to a lower 30mph to reflect the urban nature of this section of the route.

“At Millhouse Green it is therefore proposed to revoke the existing 40mph speed limit on the A628 Manchester Road and the B6106 Lee Lane and by default these two sections of road would become 30mph speed limits with the associated signaling.

“The proposed speed limit will be more appropriate and proportionate to the A628 Manchester Road, Millhouse Green and the B6106 Lee Lane and will have the potential to slow traffic intending to turn onto residential secondary roads as well as further reduce the speed of through traffic, including near Millhouse Primary School.

“The proposals are considered to have minimal impact on residents and the traveling public while meeting the need to make improvements to the A628 as part of the government award.

“These measures have also been proposed to address possible road safety concerns while maintaining traffic flow.

“The council is satisfied that it is expedient to make an order designed to avoid any danger to persons or other vehicles using the roads, to prevent the likelihood of such danger occurring and to facilitate the passage of traffic on the roads. roads.”

A petition – led by George Reid – received more than 500 signatures after the group 30 For A Reason carried out a survey into speeding on the road.

He recorded average speeds of 45.2 mph, with the fastest being 76 mph.

Councilor Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward, praised residents for their hard work in getting the speed limit reduced.

“It took a long time and it was before I became a city councilor. So it’s great news that this is finally about to happen,” she told the Chronicle.

“We supported the campaign because it is a expressway and poses a serious safety issue for children and people living nearby.

“The 40mph limit is regularly ignored – it’s a dangerous zone and is high on the school agenda for obvious reasons.

“Fortunately, common sense prevailed and it was well received by everyone involved.”