Plan to up speed limit on Peaks Parkway

THE speed limit along Grimsby's Peaks Parkway could be increased following a borough wide review of speed on main roads.

The proposal to up the limit from 30mph to 40mph follows a traffic survey in the area, which discovered more than 85 per cent of drivers regularly break the speed limit when using the road – with the majority travelling at an average speed of at least 35 mph.

The limit could soon be imposed on the stretch from the B&Q superstore to the south side of the Weelsby Road junction.

Coun Martin Vickers, the former portfolio holder for the environment, described the proposal as a "sensible move", saying it was in line with new Government guidelines.

He said: "The Government guidelines are to set speed limits which take into account the actual speed of motorists."

Other arguments for the increase laid out in the report include:

There is no footpath – and therefore no pedestrians.

Notices are posted at strategic locations to inform pedestrians of safe access points at intersecting junctions.

Alternative parallel routes exist that accommodate pedestrians more safely.

A brick wall runs along the length of both sides of the urban section of the road, preventing pedestrians gaining access, and shielding residential properties.

However, Humberside Police casualty reduction officer Pc John Mallett said he was worried that if the limit was increased, drivers would simply continue to break the limit – and drive even faster.

He said: "I have a number of concerns regarding these proposals. The junction of Peaks Parkway and Weelsby Road is a collision cluster site and increased permitted speed may cause an increase in the number of collisions and the severity of injuries involved."

He added that he feared some drivers would hit speeds of up to 50mph, something he said was "inappropriate in the urban environment."

He added: "The Peaks Parkway tends to be self-regulating, due to the traffic light controlled junctions.

"The majority of collisions are at these junctions and I would reconsider whether an increased speed limit is appropriate or indeed necessary.

"We must work closely with NELC to fully evaluate the potential impact of any changes before decisions are finalised."

Have your say:

Members of the public can give their opinions on the plans – and ask questions – at a meeting with shadow transport minister Robert Goodwill on Friday. The meeting will be held at Grimsby Town Hall from 7pm.

More:

Laceby Bypass camera set alight

Laceby Bypass could now be cut to 60mph

Plans to improve safety at Grimsby junction