Residents call for action on ‘dangerous’ stretch of road

Matlock residents are calling for Derbyshire County Council to take action on what they claim is a “dangerous” stretch of road.
File photo dated 29/10/08 of a 30mph sign with speed camera's symbol underneath as the number of drivers breaking the 30mph speed limit has dropped by a third in 12 years, a report today showed. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 21, 2012. In 1998, as many as 69% of cars on 30mph roads exceeded the limit, but by 2010 the figure had fallen to 46%. See PA story TRANSPORT Speed. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA WireFile photo dated 29/10/08 of a 30mph sign with speed camera's symbol underneath as the number of drivers breaking the 30mph speed limit has dropped by a third in 12 years, a report today showed. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 21, 2012. In 1998, as many as 69% of cars on 30mph roads exceeded the limit, but by 2010 the figure had fallen to 46%. See PA story TRANSPORT Speed. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
File photo dated 29/10/08 of a 30mph sign with speed camera's symbol underneath as the number of drivers breaking the 30mph speed limit has dropped by a third in 12 years, a report today showed. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 21, 2012. In 1998, as many as 69% of cars on 30mph roads exceeded the limit, but by 2010 the figure had fallen to 46%. See PA story TRANSPORT Speed. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Anne and Roger Walters, of Lumsdale, Matlock, contacted the Mercury this week to complain that new de-restricted speed limit signs had been fitted on the road, which many residents and Highfields School pupils walk along daily.

Roger said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw the new signs.

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“Far from permitting motorists to travel at 60mph, the council should slow the road to 30mph or put some traffic calming measures down. Children use that road, which is very narrow with nettles encroaching onto it. It’s extremely dangerous.”

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson ruled out traffic calming measures along Lumsdale as there had been “no injury collisions” in the past three years and financial priority had to go to roads “where there are accidents”.

The spokesperson said: “We are also unable to put in a 30mph limit as we have to stick to the guidance from the Government – this lane is classified as a country lane and as such should not have a speed limit.

“Lumsdale is a narrow, windy country lane and we would advise motorists to drive to the conditions.”

The spokesperson also insisted that the de-restricted signs had been installed one year ago.