New plan to slow down drivers on busy Derby road

Plans for a new crossing have been revealed for Bishops Drive in Oakwood, Derby. Image by LDRS.

An investigation is set to be take place on a busy Derby road to see if road safety measures are needed to help slow down speeding motorists.

Letters have been sent to residents in Oakwood asking for their views on putting a pedestrian crossing in Bishops Drive.

The busy road is one of the main routes in Oakwood connecting many of the residential streets, the district centre shops, GP practices, dentist surgeries and the main A608 roundabout near Breadsall Hill Top.

A letter by Oakwood’s three Conservative councillors states talks are in place with Derby City Council chiefs over the possibility of putting a new crossing on the 30mph street.

No decisions have been made yet, but the talks so far are exploring the possibility of the crossing being located between the junctions of Chandlers Ford and the A608 roundabout.

The letter by Councillors Matthew Eyre, Freya Trewhella and Jamie Mulhall asks for people’s views to potentially help the case for the crossing.

It states: “We’ve been contacted by residents about installing a pedestrian crossing on Bishops Drive. This is something we support as we feel a safe, convenient crossing would improve road safety and reduce the speed of vehicles on this road.

“Following discussions with the traffic and transport team, the public meeting earlier this year and the cancellation of cycle lanes along the rest of Bishops Drive, there is now the potential for a pedestrian crossing.

“A potential installation has been added to the council’s programme for investigation which is an important first step to making it a reality.”

Residents of Bishops Drive welcomed the plans and said a crossing was needed.

Norman Day said: “It’s a good idea – the cars go too fast here. It’s an everyday problem. It’s supposed to be a 30mph road but I’ve seen cars go faster.

“Thank goodness I’ve not seen anyone hurt.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said a crossing was needed because the road was often very busy especially at peak times.

However, Oakwood resident and former Derby councillor Mick Barker (Con) felt a crossing was “unnecessary”.

He said: “I don’t think it is needed. There have been surveys before which have stated there isn’t a need for one.

“I can’t recall any major incidents where pedestrians have been hurt. The police do everything they can.”

A survey has been launched to gain feedback on the plans. It can be viewed online by visiting this link.

Questions include the issue of speeding on Bishops Drive and the survey asks whether a crossing “would help slow down drivers”.

Derby City Council has been approached for comment.