I have been driving up and down the A515 most weekdays for around 12 years. From 1995 when we lived in Doveridge, near Uttoxeter to work in Buxton, and from 2002 when we moved to Parwich. The past month, I have witnessed more dangerous driving incidents than most of those 12 years put together.
What has changed this past month? The speed limit has been reduced for most of the length between Ashbourne and Buxton from 60mph to 50mph.
On the face of it, one would think that reducing the speed limit would encourage safer driving, and I for one would certainly endorse a reduction in limit (to 40 or even 30) in inherently dangerous stretches such as the Alsop curves, Fenny Bentley and Brierlow Bar. However, a blanket 50mph along the whole stretch including Lean Low seems to be encouraging some really bad driving.
Many drivers have dutifully reduced their speed, however many don’t, and some appear to get frustrated with those who do observe the 50 limit which encourages dangerous overtaking manoeuvres at high speed. A great distance can be covered overtaking a vehicle traveling at 50mph, and drivers get themselves into trouble very quickly through a lack of judgement about how much road they have available.
Several times in the past month, I have come over the brow of a hill to find two cars abreast traveling toward me at relative closing speed of 100mph+. I honestly do not believe the road has been made safer in many stretches by the introduction of this blanket 50mph speed limit, and additionally there are very expensive looking solar and wind powered signs appearing along the length of the road, presumably to remind drivers to keep to the speed limit.
It doesn’t seem to make sense to me – I just don’t want to give in to the cynic in me which suspects an ulterior motive. What authority could possibly put revenue raising above safety considerations?
Comments?
PARWICH.ORG 