Signage could make road safer
ADDITIONAL signage could be installed to warn motorists of a ‘danger’ road’s speed limit after a 1,104-signature petition was handed to Barnsley Council.
Members of Speed Awareness Group Ardsley (SAGA) have long-held concerns regarding the A635 Doncaster Road.
The petition – circulated in person and online in recent months – urged the council to consider improvements including installation of speed-measured distance cameras, installation of new 40mph traffic calming signage including police enforced camera signage and installation of pedestrian crossings.
It said: “Residents of Stairfoot and Ardsley are requesting various actions to limit the excessive speeding of vehicles on the A635 dual carriageway between Stairfoot roundabout and Darfield.
“This is to protect parents, children, disabled people and the elderly and to give access to Oakhill Primary School and other amenities, whilst crossing the dual carriageway. These actions would contribute to the reduction of pollution caused by speeding vehicles.”
However, the council – whose ruling cabinet members will meet to discuss the petition on Wednesday – appear to have ruled out cameras.
A document added: “The introduction of average speed cameras has not been supported as the current criteria set by the Department for Transport for speed camera implementation has not been met. The council recently installed 20mph signs on Doncaster Road in the vicinity of Oakhill Primary School.
“We are developing a new active travel route along the A635 and three pedestrian/ cycle crossings will be provided as part of that scheme.
“It is recommended that the traffic team will also undertake an assessment before the end of July, to determine whether additional signs could be appropriate to manage the road.”