A long-awaited safety campaign is finally gaining traction on a notorious Derbyshire road, with signs set to be installed this spring. This road has been the site of numerous alarming collisions, sparking a community-wide call for action.
John Cooper reports on the progress made by Derbyshire County Council's highways department, which has been working to address the concerns of residents and local authorities.
The Road to Safety
The B6417 Mansfield Road, located off Ramper Avenue in Clowne, has been the focus of attention due to its history of accidents. Residents, along with Cllr Donna Hales, Deputy Leader of Bolsover District Council, have been advocating for speed limit reductions and safety measures.
In November 2024, the county council announced plans to lower the speed limit to 40mph through the Oxcroft area, but the process has been lengthy.
Cllr Charlotte Hill, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for potholes, highways, and transport, confirmed that the plans are now moving forward. New signs are expected to be installed in April or May, following a push from Cllr Hales.
A History of Collisions
Cllr Hales highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that a speed restriction had been agreed upon for at least 18 months, yet there had been delays in implementing the necessary signage. She emphasized the potential for severe injuries or fatalities, especially with the current 60mph speed limit.
The area has seen its fair share of accidents, including life-changing incidents and fatalities. One particularly shocking collision occurred on February 15, 2025, when a Volkswagen Polo and a Skoda Octavia collided on Mansfield Road, resulting in four men and a woman being hospitalized. Cllr Hales praised the community's response, with four residents risking their lives to rescue individuals from the burning vehicles.
Another collision on October 2, 2024, between a Volkswagen Golf and a Ford Transit, also resulted in hospital visits, though the injuries were not life-threatening.
The Legal Process and Community Efforts
Derbyshire County Council explained that reducing speed limits requires a lengthy legal process before new signage can be introduced. This process includes consulting with statutory consultees and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
Cllr Hales emphasized the scale of the problem, stating that the community has been unable to conduct community speed watches due to the unsafe 60mph limit. She has been advocating for traffic-calming measures, especially near residential areas.
The county council has met with campaigners and, in collaboration with Derbyshire Constabulary, has increased signage at the entrances to Oxcroft to promote road safety. However, residents are still awaiting the promised speed limit reductions and additional safety measures.
Police Support and Future Plans
Derbyshire Constabulary has been working closely with the Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership and has confirmed the use of mobile enforcement sites along the B6417. The Casualty Reduction and Enforcement Support Team has been monitoring traffic and taking enforcement action when necessary.
The police force has expressed support for the county council's proposed changes, and the council has consulted with its statutory consultees as part of the Traffic Regulation Process.
Cllr Hill assured the community that the work is ongoing, stating, "The signs are ordered and in stock. We expect that they will go up in April or May." She added that the priority during the winter months is fixing potholes and ensuring road safety through gritting when needed.
And This is the Part Most People Miss...
While the installation of signs is a step forward, the community's concerns go beyond just speed limits. The road's safety issues are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach.
What do you think? Should the focus be solely on speed limits, or are there other factors that need attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
