Doncaster Road Speeding Issues
Over the last three years, issues of speeding have been becoming an increasing concern on Doncaster Road through Ardsley. This seems to have become more prevalent with the removal of the non-functioning speed camera. Locals have been campaigning for this to be addressed, with John Evans forming the Speed Awareness Group Ardsley (SAGA). Their Facebook page can be viewed by clicking this link.
Whilst they are campaigning for measures to be taken on the stretch of dual carriageway, with signatures of locals collected via their online petition and via volunteers, the Ardsley Resident Association have been writing letters into the local politicians and councillors. The letter was sent following three accidents on the stretch early in 2022 (one being between Ardsley and Darfield which resulted in a fatality). We felt the response we have received should be available to our wider community and can be read below. |
Good afternoon,
Thank you for forwarding your constituents correspondence regarding Doncaster Road, Ardsley and the concerns related to vehicle speeds and road safety. We're saddened to hear of the tragic fatal incident on Doncaster Road and our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected by this incident. We understand the heightened emotion associated with this road given the recent collision, although this collision did not occur on the dual carriageway length.
South Yorkshire Police are carrying out a detailed investigation into the circumstances of this collision and their findings will be passed to HM Coroner’s Office. Barnsley Council is unable comment on the collision until police have concluded their investigations and HM Coroner has held an inquest.
With regard to the dual carriageway section, it is important that speed limits are evidence-led, self-explaining and reinforce drivers own assessment of what is a safe speed to travel. Speed limits should encourage self-compliance and not be seen by drivers as being a target speed at which to drive in all circumstances.
Sadly there will always be drivers who choose to drive in excess of the speed limit. This is defined as a moving traffic offence and can only be enforced by South Yorkshire Police. This stretch of the A635 Doncaster Road has in the past been subject to mobile speed camera enforcement carried out by the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership and continues to form part of their mobile speed enforcement regime. There has been no request to lower the speed limit from the Police or the Safety Camera Partnership at this location.
We concentrate changes to streets and their layouts based on the potential to reduce collisions where people have been injured, identifying “priority sites”. As part of this, we look at each street to see just how many collisions and injuries have happened and compare them across the Borough. Collisions that result in personal injury are recorded nationally. Every local authority uses this information to try and determine where collisions with injuries are taking place, how often and what can be done to prevent a repeat of those collisions and injuries. This does mean however, that we are looking at locations retrospectively rather than pre-emptively. It’s difficult to say some work undertaken on a street has prevented a collision when that street has had very few injuries previously.
The method used to ascertain the priority sites is by using Personal Injury Collision (PIC) data obtained by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) using the ‘Crash’ collision reporting system. This records information about the collision including time, date, location, weather and other causation factors that contributed to the collision. The data is analysed by staff to see if there are any concerns as to the frequency and nature of the collisions. All causation factors are thoroughly investigated and if necessary any improvement works are programmed accordingly. This type of collision investigation work forms part of the routine annual workload of the Council’s Traffic Group. The current criteria for road safety interventions includes 6 or more personal injury collisions in a 50m radius in a 4-year period.
Whilst every collision on our network is a concern, we must concentrate our limited resources to those sites with the greatest number of collisions, hence the current Priority Site Criteria. Only 3 PIC’s have been recorded in the most recent 4-year period on the entire 1.9km length of the A635 Doncaster Road dual carriageway section. Only one of these collisions listed excessive speed as a contributory factor and that collision occurred at 5am and involved two vehicles racing one another. No engineering measures are likely to have prevented this collision from occurring. We do not have details from SYP regarding the recent collisions at the time of writing.
Due to the low number of Personal Injury Collisions, the road does not, therefore, meet this criteria for the provision further safety improvements.
As part of the councils routine annual workload, the road will continue to be monitored and should it be identified as a ‘priority site’ improvements will be investigated and implemented accordingly. However, at this current time, no further improvement works can be justified at this site.
It should also be noted that recently advisory 20mph flashing signs have been installed on both approaches to Oakwell Primary School with the aim of reducing vehicle speeds during school start and finish times. The effectiveness of these signs will be monitored during the coming months and, with this in mind, a before speed survey was undertaken in July and August 2021 which indicated that the average speed of vehicles in both directions was approximately 32mph which is significantly below the posted 40mph speed limit on the road.
It should also be noted that the School Crossing Patrol vacancy on Doncaster Road in the vicinity of Oakhill Primary school has recently been advertised and interviews held. We aim to have someone in post as soon as possible to aid the safe movement of children across the carriageway at school start and finish times.
Again, BMBC completely understand the concerns of residents on Doncaster Road but currently, we do not have any plans to implement further road safety improvements at this location.
Andrew Tunnacliffe
Principal Engineer - Traffic
Environment and Transport
Place Directorate
Barnsley Council
Thank you for forwarding your constituents correspondence regarding Doncaster Road, Ardsley and the concerns related to vehicle speeds and road safety. We're saddened to hear of the tragic fatal incident on Doncaster Road and our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected by this incident. We understand the heightened emotion associated with this road given the recent collision, although this collision did not occur on the dual carriageway length.
South Yorkshire Police are carrying out a detailed investigation into the circumstances of this collision and their findings will be passed to HM Coroner’s Office. Barnsley Council is unable comment on the collision until police have concluded their investigations and HM Coroner has held an inquest.
With regard to the dual carriageway section, it is important that speed limits are evidence-led, self-explaining and reinforce drivers own assessment of what is a safe speed to travel. Speed limits should encourage self-compliance and not be seen by drivers as being a target speed at which to drive in all circumstances.
Sadly there will always be drivers who choose to drive in excess of the speed limit. This is defined as a moving traffic offence and can only be enforced by South Yorkshire Police. This stretch of the A635 Doncaster Road has in the past been subject to mobile speed camera enforcement carried out by the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership and continues to form part of their mobile speed enforcement regime. There has been no request to lower the speed limit from the Police or the Safety Camera Partnership at this location.
We concentrate changes to streets and their layouts based on the potential to reduce collisions where people have been injured, identifying “priority sites”. As part of this, we look at each street to see just how many collisions and injuries have happened and compare them across the Borough. Collisions that result in personal injury are recorded nationally. Every local authority uses this information to try and determine where collisions with injuries are taking place, how often and what can be done to prevent a repeat of those collisions and injuries. This does mean however, that we are looking at locations retrospectively rather than pre-emptively. It’s difficult to say some work undertaken on a street has prevented a collision when that street has had very few injuries previously.
The method used to ascertain the priority sites is by using Personal Injury Collision (PIC) data obtained by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) using the ‘Crash’ collision reporting system. This records information about the collision including time, date, location, weather and other causation factors that contributed to the collision. The data is analysed by staff to see if there are any concerns as to the frequency and nature of the collisions. All causation factors are thoroughly investigated and if necessary any improvement works are programmed accordingly. This type of collision investigation work forms part of the routine annual workload of the Council’s Traffic Group. The current criteria for road safety interventions includes 6 or more personal injury collisions in a 50m radius in a 4-year period.
Whilst every collision on our network is a concern, we must concentrate our limited resources to those sites with the greatest number of collisions, hence the current Priority Site Criteria. Only 3 PIC’s have been recorded in the most recent 4-year period on the entire 1.9km length of the A635 Doncaster Road dual carriageway section. Only one of these collisions listed excessive speed as a contributory factor and that collision occurred at 5am and involved two vehicles racing one another. No engineering measures are likely to have prevented this collision from occurring. We do not have details from SYP regarding the recent collisions at the time of writing.
Due to the low number of Personal Injury Collisions, the road does not, therefore, meet this criteria for the provision further safety improvements.
As part of the councils routine annual workload, the road will continue to be monitored and should it be identified as a ‘priority site’ improvements will be investigated and implemented accordingly. However, at this current time, no further improvement works can be justified at this site.
It should also be noted that recently advisory 20mph flashing signs have been installed on both approaches to Oakwell Primary School with the aim of reducing vehicle speeds during school start and finish times. The effectiveness of these signs will be monitored during the coming months and, with this in mind, a before speed survey was undertaken in July and August 2021 which indicated that the average speed of vehicles in both directions was approximately 32mph which is significantly below the posted 40mph speed limit on the road.
It should also be noted that the School Crossing Patrol vacancy on Doncaster Road in the vicinity of Oakhill Primary school has recently been advertised and interviews held. We aim to have someone in post as soon as possible to aid the safe movement of children across the carriageway at school start and finish times.
Again, BMBC completely understand the concerns of residents on Doncaster Road but currently, we do not have any plans to implement further road safety improvements at this location.
Andrew Tunnacliffe
Principal Engineer - Traffic
Environment and Transport
Place Directorate
Barnsley Council
A635 Active Travel Scheme
Engagement Period: 7th March - 27th March 2022
Most of our residents should have received a letter from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council with regard to their proposed improvement scheme running through Ardsley. This proposal is a package of measures which seeks to promote walking and cycling connectivity between Stairfoot Roundabout and Hollygrove Roundabout in Goldthorpe.
The scheme proposals can be viewed on the council website by following this link. Details are centred around the widening of the footpath on the North of the A635 Doncaster Road (dual carriageway) to facilitate the pavement being split into a cycle path and footpath. Cycle crossings will be placed on all entrances onto Doncaster road, with cyclists having to give way. In addition to this, the grass in the central reservation will be replaced by open grade hard paving and the bus shelters will be upgraded with the installation of electronic displays (by SYPTA). An Engagement Period is being run from Monday 7th March 2022 to Sunday 27th March 2022. During this period, two engagement events have been planned so that plans can be reviewed and any questions asked (dates below). £2.136m will be spent on the two proposed schemes through Ardsley and Darfield; a welcome investment to our village. However we urge residents to familiarise themselves with the planned changes and ensure your voice is heard if you have any suggestions or feedback on the proposals. Feedback can be given via the online survey, by e-mail to Transportation@barnsley.gov.uk or in person at one of the planned events (details below). Project Timeline
Engagement Events
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Ardsley's 24 hour Access Defibrillator, 4 Years On…
The 24 hour access community defibrillator has been a constant presence in our village since its installation in February 2018. This was installed as a result of the efforts of the Ardsley Residents Association, along with generous donations from the Oaks Working Men’s Club and Stairfoot Ward Alliance. Also thanks must go to Christ Church Ardsley for allowing it to be installed, Ardsley Scouts group for allowing it to be powered by their electrical supply and also S. Kaye Electrical for installing the unit free of charge.
Over the last three years the equipment has been called upon on more than four occasions and whist it has not actually been used, the fact it was available is a reassurance to those tending to people in trouble whilst the emergency services arrive.
In one event, local school children from Oakhill Academy and Barnsley Academy have been praised for their alertness and willingness to help by going and collecting the unit whilst a patient was being tended to. Following the arrival of the ambulance and the stabilisation of the patient, the local youths carefully returned the unit back to its housing. It’s a massive praise to our community that younger people are so willing to help others and appreciate the importance of the defibrillator within our community.
The device is installed outside the church hall building in its own keypad access box. This device is registered with the 999 emergency services, where callers may be advised to go and collect the unit so it can be used if the patient may not survive until the emergency services arrive. They will advise of the access code. The unit talks the user through its use, analyses and looks for shockable heart rhythm, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation and delivers a shock only if needed.
A defibrillator applies a brief pulse of electrical current allowing the heart’s normal electrical system to resume normal control. (Please note that a 100% success rate cannot be guaranteed, but this could be the casualty’s best and only chance of survival). Without the application of a shock the patients’ chance of survival is often less than 20%.
The unit is regularly checked by the ARA to ensure it is always in full working order, with additional checks to ensure the consumables are replaced following each access.
Over the last three years the equipment has been called upon on more than four occasions and whist it has not actually been used, the fact it was available is a reassurance to those tending to people in trouble whilst the emergency services arrive.
In one event, local school children from Oakhill Academy and Barnsley Academy have been praised for their alertness and willingness to help by going and collecting the unit whilst a patient was being tended to. Following the arrival of the ambulance and the stabilisation of the patient, the local youths carefully returned the unit back to its housing. It’s a massive praise to our community that younger people are so willing to help others and appreciate the importance of the defibrillator within our community.
The device is installed outside the church hall building in its own keypad access box. This device is registered with the 999 emergency services, where callers may be advised to go and collect the unit so it can be used if the patient may not survive until the emergency services arrive. They will advise of the access code. The unit talks the user through its use, analyses and looks for shockable heart rhythm, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation and delivers a shock only if needed.
A defibrillator applies a brief pulse of electrical current allowing the heart’s normal electrical system to resume normal control. (Please note that a 100% success rate cannot be guaranteed, but this could be the casualty’s best and only chance of survival). Without the application of a shock the patients’ chance of survival is often less than 20%.
The unit is regularly checked by the ARA to ensure it is always in full working order, with additional checks to ensure the consumables are replaced following each access.
LITTER PICK - FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2019Having arranged a litter pick in Pacers Field on Friday 27th September 2019 at 1pm, we'd like to thank all those that turned up to lend a hand. Unfortunately the weather was not favourable on the day which led to progression being slow. However the results that can be seen in the photo's below were admirable.
Thanks to the support of Stairfoot Ward Alliance, our local councillors who don't shy away from such tasks, TWIGGS and of course our fantastic residents - the show still went ahead. Thank you for all involved.
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The Patient Participation Group
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Blooming Ardsley
Thanks to the fantastic efforts and generosity of the residents in our village, the first in a series of re-designed planters has been installed and planted at the bottom of Eskdale Road. This has been planted with primroses with a variety of colours.
A great addition to our village. Keep your eyes peeled for more appearing! |
Tony Heald and Michael Chance have launched their latest book on the history of our village, which includes Stairfoot and Hoyle Mill. These three villages formed the Ardsley Parish, prior to being taken into the Barnsley Borough.
The launch event was well attended, being held in the Oaks WMC. Tony and Michael took the chance to speak about their memories and feelings about the history of the village along with their unique experiences growing up here. Copies of the book were available on the night, with both Tony and Michael exercising their wrists signing many copies; punctuated by the odd sip of the excellent beers and wines offered within our local club. If you would like to purchase a copy, these are available in the Oaks WMC or Experience Barnsley museum located in the town hall building. Alternatively, feel free to send us your contact details and we would be happy to pass them onto Tony so he can contact you. |
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Thanks to the efforts of the Community Payback team, with funding from the Stairfoot Ward Alliance, Pacers Field has been vastly cleared of undergrowth towards the Cumberland Drive / Scar Lane (lower) end of the field. The work was carried out on 25th & 26th January 2018.
Following discussion with the Stairfoot Ward Alliance, a further 3 days of funding have been secured to complete the clearing of the undergrowth and treat the benches to ensure they are in first class condition for the coming summer months. In addition to this, further funding has been granted by the Stairfoot Ward Alliance to provide two new metal benches to be installed in Tranquil Garden, which is kindly being looked after by the U3A Gardeners. |
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Ardsley Park Refurbishment
Ardsley Park is set to be refurbished this year as a result of funding secured by the council from the developers building houses on the former Ardsley House site (106 funding). £26,109 will be used to provide extra play equipment for younger children, improved fencing and footpath access.
The work has started in March and the initial improvements can be seen in the photo collage to the left. |
Neighbourhood Alert Service
Why not sign up to the new free neighbourhood alert service introduced by South Yorkshire Police. This has been introduced to allow the police and local community to work more closely together with the ultimate aim of improving the service to local communities. No-one knows your area better than you!
SYP Alerts is a messaging system brought to you by South Yorkshire Police for our communities. By registering with SYP Alerts, you can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and/or prevention advice – direct to you by email, text or voice message. Registering for alerts is completely free and once you have signed-up, you can chose how you want to receive the messages and what you want to receive messages about. To sign up for the service visit www.sypalerts.co.uk/. |
The council have announced that the new bin collection calendars will only be available online. They will not be printed and posted as per previous calendars. To find out your new calendar, visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/waste. For your convenience we have checked the calendars for most postcode areas in the village, with the two calendars relevant displayed to the right. The majority of Ardsley has a collection on Thursday, with the exception of Oxford Street, Hill Street, New Street and the section of Doncaster Road adjacent being on Wednesday.. Please check the council website if you are unsure which will apply to you. |
New Bin Collection Calendars
Ardsley
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