The Parish Council has received and considered a further reply from Derbyshire County Council regarding road signs in the Village. This was their latest reply.
I write in response to the draft minutes of the Parish Council’s 14th February meeting. I apologise for the delay of my response.
Unfortunately we cannot install a bespoke traffic sign suggesting that a road is a no-through road when that is not actually the case. The intention of our proposals to relocate the “Unsuitable for motors” signing was primarily to discourage anyone passing through the village from needlessly entering side roads which are significantly more challenging to navigate than along the main road. This measure is commonplace throughout the county, particularly in circumstances where the roads in question are, technically, through routes rather than no-through-roads.
Current traffic signing regulations offer a number of variants of this particular sign such as “unsuitable for HGVs”, “unsuitable for long vehicles” or “unsuitable for caravans”. Having visited the junction, I accept that the present layout and elevation of the junction makes turning the corner by car in a single manoeuvre is difficult, consequently the “unsuitable for motors” sign was considered most appropriate.
I have considered the addition of the term “no turning space” (as commonly seen upon no-through-road signs in the County) to a new sign plate at the western end of Kiln Lane in order to address comments raised by the Parish Council. I feel, however, that this may in itself present a misleading message in that drivers can still turn without legal restriction from Kiln Lane into Creamery Lane, albeit with some difficulty.
I accept that on occasion, non-local delivery drivers may require access to properties at the top end of Rathbourne Croft, for instance. I usually advise anyone with concerns towards access to such properties to advise their delivery drivers of such issues beforehand in order that they could prepare their journeys (and the vehicles they may choose to use) accordingly. It is normally possible to contact delivery companies to this effect by telephone or online.
As your Council will be aware, there is a significant difference in levels at the junction between Kiln Lane and Creamery Lane. Because of this, an engineering solution would be prohibitively expensive at this time and cannot therefore be considered.
In view of the above I would suggest that my original proposal to relocate the “unsuitable for motors” signing may present the most appropriate response to the issues described and I therefore await your Council’s advice on whether or not to proceed with this scheme.
Playground signs are not normally used near locations which are more predominantly seen as sports areas rather than childrens’ play areas, however in view of your comments concerning the Playground signs in Creamery Lane I shall not make arrangements for their removal. Arrangements for new Playground signs near the childrens’ playground by Smithy Close will be progressed in the new financial year.
Please note that I am leaving the Council shortly, consequently any further comment should be addressed towards the generic Traffic Management team.
Parish Council Response-
The Parish Council considered this reply at its last meeting and minuted the following, which has been communicated to the traffic management Team.
20.3.12 Village Road signs.
A further response had been received from Derbyshire County Council regarding road signs in the village.
Resolved: to make the reply available via the blog.
Helping drivers avoid the awkward turn between Kiln Lane and Creamery Lane.
The Council had previously expressed its reservations about using “unsuitable for motors” signs as suggested. The DCC reply considered several other possibilities but concluded that “unsuitable for motors” signs were the only appropriate option.
Resolved:The Clerk to reply confirming that the Council still did not wish “unsuitable for motors” signs to be used.
Relocation of Playground signs around Orchard View to approaches to Smithy Close playground.
DCC confirmed that they would leave the existing signs in the vicinity of Orchard View. They offered to review the provision of “playground” signs on the approaches to the Smithy Close playground in the new financial year.
Resolved:The Clerk to reply stating that the Parish Council supports this approach.
PARWICH.ORG 
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