New speed cameras and barriers for Snake Pass route

New speed cameras and motorcycle barriers could be installed on the Sheffield side of the Snake Pass in a bid to reduce accidents and fatalities.

The A57 route connecting Sheffield and Manchester was highlighted by the government as being a "high-risk" road after 169 collisions in five years.

Sheffield City Council plans to improve a stretch of the road from the junction with Coldwell Lane in Crosspool to the boundary with Derbyshire.

Sheffield City Council and Derbyshire County Council will share £7.6m to make road improvements over a 23-mile stretch between Sheffield and Glossop.

The Department for Transport (DfT) introduced the Safer Roads Fund to treat the highest risk local 'A' road sections in England to reduce the number and severity of fatal and serious injury collisions, with the Snake Pass one of those identified.

Between 2018 and 2023 a total of 138 collisions occurred within the Derbyshire County Council boundary, resulting in three fatalities, 53 serious and 131 slight injuries to road users.

A further 31 collisions occurred from the Sheffield City Council boundary to the junction with Coldwell Lane over the same period, resulting in two fatalities, 20 serious and 20 slight casualties.

"There will be a particular focus on motorcyclists and drivers navigating bends," says a report by council officers.

"The types of measures we are considering, but not limited to, are motorcycle-friendly barriers and edge lines."

Clearer lane markings and improved lighting would help prevent crashes, particularly in "poor weather or low light", the report said.

Two new average speed cameras are set to be installed on the Sheffield side, with "road restraints" set to be built to prevent motorcyclists sliding under existing safety barriers.

The DfT estimates the work will prevent more than 93 fatal and serious collisions over the next 20 years.

Work is expected to be completed within three years.

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