Drivers do not always take account of narrow roads

A new initiative called Quiet Lanes is being introduced in the village of Youlgreave to try to encourage drivers to slow down.

Villagers are worried speeding vehicles both damage the environment and pose a safety risk.

So far the scheme is limited to signs but the authorities say there are many more things that can be done to slow traffic down.

Effective network

Peter Stubbs from the Peak District National Park said: "It isn't just about signing, its about the treatment of the road as well.

"In an ideal world there would be all sorts of treatment to emphasise this is a relatively little used, rural road.

"For example there could be false cattle grids painted on the road, there could be local narrowings of the road so people have to give way.

"I have seen some examples in other parts of the country where they deliberately allow a strip of grass to grow down the middle so it looks like a little track."

He added: "This is not about forcing drivers off the roads but more about moderating and altering their behaviour and attitude."

Villagers hope the scheme can grow into a more effective network where drivers are made aware of the residents' needs.