Concern over upgrades to street where pedestrians ‘dice with death’
NEW plans have been drawn up to improve safety on what is claimed to be one of Derby’s most dangerous roads where pedestrians frequently “dice with death”.
Derby City Council transport bosses have proposed to make a number of changes to improve safety on Max Road with new traffic calming measures set to be introduced.
Draft drawings shared so far on social media by councillors suggest a new pedestrian refuge bay could be installed on the road at its junction with Chaddesden Park Road.
A refuge bay is a raised section of pavement between two lanes of moving traffic. The plans also include new footway kerbs designed to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road.
The new plans come following a petition last year which urged the council to make Max Road safer following a number of accidents in quick succession. More than 100 residents signed the online petition which raised fears for people’s safety - especially children who use the road to travel to and from school.
A statement from Derwent and Chaddesden councillors said: “A plan to create traffic calming at the junction of Max Road and Chaddesden Park Road is another step forward as ward councillors for both Derwent and Chaddesden received the first draft from the traffic and transportation department.
“You may remember a few years ago the car that ended up in the front room of one of the houses on Max Road? Since then we have been in talks with the traffic department to come up with a scheme to
combat traffic problems at the junction. It will also create safe zones for pedestrians to cross the busy road. This is the first draft and residents will be spoken to for their input before the final scheme is implemented.”
But there are concerns the new plans won’t be enough to deal with the problems that the residents face on a daily basis.
Barry Nicholas, who has lived in Max Road for 30 years, said he welcomed the idea but suggested more action was needed.
He said: “It’s getting busier every week on this road. They’ve put these speed ramps on but in my opinion they are a waste of space – they don’t make any difference as they never slow down.
“I think the new plans would be good but I don’t think it will solve all the issues – it needs something to slow the traffic down. Some of them come belting down. When I try and reverse out my drive sometimes I dare not move.”
Another resident who lives nearby said: “People do dice with death here. If you watch on the corner you take your life in your hands still (by trying to cross). There are a lot of people who don’t give way. Sometimes you hear ‘beep beep’ all the time. Some drivers have no patience.”
I don’t think it will solve all the issues – it needs something to slow the traffic down.
Barry Nicholas