A ‘TIRELESS’ campaign to reduce the speed limit near a school where drivers have been clocked at almost 80mph has finally reached a successful conclusion - after Barnsley Council’s highways bosses gave the nod following an investigation.
Members of the ‘30 For A Reason’ group - which centres around Millhouse Primary School on Lee Lane in Millhouse Green - have been urging action to be taken for years, backed by MPs and local councillors.
Currently a 40mph route, the A628 will have a 30mph limit following a council probe into its dangerous pinch-points after the highways team found a plethora of issues with its current state.
Of the town’s 70-plus primary schools, it is the only one to have a 40mph limit outside its gates.
An investigation report, seen by the Chronicle, said: “Barnsley Council, in 2021, received a government grant to improve road safety along the A628.
“Several locations were identified as being priorities for improvement along the route - A628 Barnsley Road, Penistone, and the A628 Manchester Road in Thurlstone and Millhouse.
“Historically these sections of road have experienced congestion, delays, inconsiderate and obstructive parking leading to pinch-points and significant impacts on visibility at junctions and obstruction and inconvenience for pedestrians and pushchair/wheelchair users and other vulnerable road users.
“Following the introduction of engineering improvements on the A628 Manchester Road in Millhouse Green, the council made a commitment to investigate the reduction of the existing 40mph speed limit to a lower 30mph to reflect the urban nature of this section of the route.
“In Millhouse Green, it is therefore proposed to revoke the existing 40mph speed limit on both the A628 Manchester Road and the B6106 Lee Lane and by default, these two sections of road would become 30mph speed limits with associated signing.
“The proposed speed limit will be more appropriate and proportionate to A628 Manchester Road, Millhouse Green and B6106 Lee Lane and will have the potential for slowing traffic intending to turn into the residential side roads as well as further reducing the speed of through-traffic, including in the vicinity of Millhouse Primary School.
“The proposals are regarded as having the minimum impact on both residents and the travelling public whilst fulfilling the need to make improvements to the A628 under the government award.
“These measures have also been proposed to take account of any road safety concerns whilst maintaining the free flow of traffic.
“The council is satisfied it is expedient to make the order for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the roads and for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising, and for facilitating the passage of traffic on the roads.”
A petition - led by George Reid - received more than 500 signatures after the 30 For A Reason group held a speed survey on the road.
It saw average speeds of 45.2mph recorded, with 76mph the fastest.
Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward, praised locals for their hard work in securing the speed limit reduction.
“It’s been a long time coming and it goes back before I became a councillor, so it’s great news that it’s finally set to happen,” she told the Chronicle.
“We’ve supported the campaign as it is a fast road and it’s a serious safety issue for children and people who live locally.
“The 40mph limit is regularly ignored - it’s a dangerous stretch and it’s been high on the school’s agenda for obvious reasons.
“Thankfully, common sense has prevailed and it’s been welcomed by everyone involved.”
