Fast track to country madness

Signs of the times . . . Parish councillor Ken Hulme stands at the new partially-shielded speed sign at Sandbed Lane, Delph

Fear new signs will encourage more drivers to speed on lanes

A parish councillor has accused planners of a “common-sense bypass” by erecting new speed signs leading off one of the country’s most notorious roads.

Oldham Council has spent £300,000 on new barriers, chevrons and calming devices on the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield road, which has been the scene of several tragedies.

A proposed new speed crackdown on the stretch includes a 40mph limit east of The Star Inn at Scouthead to Delph’s built-up area, retaining the existing 30mph limit through the village, then a 50mph limit to the Kirklees boundary.

But now Ken Hulme is concerned new speed signage on country lanes leading off the four-and-a-half mile main section of highway will encourage motorists to speed up.

And, although signs on side roads are still covered in black bags and tape, he said: “A sign leading to Sandbed Lane at Delph has a black diagonal signifying no speed limit — 60mph. Similar signs have been placed at other key feeder roads joining the A62.

“I want to stop these ludicrous signs being unveiled and replaced with more suitable speed limits —no more than 30 mph.

“Having introduced new speed restrictions on the A62, drivers are now being encouraged to speed up when they go on to the narrow country lanes. Has someone had a common-sense bypass?”

But Councillor Mohib Uddin, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is unwarranted and incorrect to say the council is encouraging people to speed up.

“This is simply not the case as can be seen from the thousands of pounds invested by Unity Partnership on behalf of the council making our roads safer.

“By law, all single carriageway roads have a 60mph speed limit unless a lower speed limit is in place either through signage or regularly spaced lamp posts.

“The cost of putting restrictions in place on these minor roads would stretch into the hundreds of thousands of pounds, money better spent on road safety schemes in other parts of the borough where there is clear evidence of the need for traffic calming or speed restrictions. Evidence that does not exist for these roads.

“The Highway Code states speed limits are a maximum permissible upper limit - not a speed that has to be attained. Drivers should be aware of road conditions and drive accordingly.”

But Councillor Hulme retorted: “It’s nonsense to say we have no choice but to put up these crazy signs. You always have a choice whether or not to waste public money on daft and possibly dangerous schemes.

“Who is going to criticise officials if they erect 30 mph signs instead? We shouldn’t sit back and leave stupid, bureaucratic actions unchallenged,” he added.

OMBC Councillor Derek Heffernan, a veteran campaigner for calming measures and tighter speed limits on the A62, attacked Councillor Hulme’s idea.

He said: “I worry that someone who wants to be taken seriously can suggest lawbreaking in such a cavalier way.”

Speaking about the new A62 traffic calming measures, he added: “They are long overdue and will hopefully help save lives.”

A council spokesperson said the A62 safety scheme was ‘well thought out’ and added: “Chevrons backed by vehicle-activated warning signs have been added. The crash barrier has also been fixed and in parts replaced at a cost of £150,000.”

In addition to the sign leading into Sandbed Lane as a black diagonal signifying national speed limit - ie 60mphon single carriageway roads, 70mph on dual carriageways — locals tell Mr Hulme similar signs seem to be in place to be unveiled near Bleak Hey Nook on Tetley bye Road, Standedgefoot Road, Manor Lane and Deanhead Lane.