Speed limit set to be reduced on double death road between Thurcroft and Hellaby

A stretch of the Cumwell Lane/Kingsforth Lane route between Thurcroft and Hellaby will be changed from the national speed limit, under actions being considered by Rotherham Council.

Other proposed alterations include new warning signs, road studs, carriageway edge markings and red surface paint.

There could also be solar-powered vehicle-activated signs either side of the fishing ponds bend to alert drivers who are travelling too fast.

There were fatal collisions on the same stretch involving a 51-year-old woman in December and a 30-year-old man in February.

The proposals will require public consultation. More than 3,000 names have been collected across two petitions calling for action on the road.

Neighbouring Bramley Parish Council raised concerns that the suggestions for alterations did not mention the road surface in relation to mud left by lorries.

Clerk Rob Foulds said: “What is so very apparent is the deposits on the road surface that are caused by nearby landfill operations.

“The operators do take measures to clean their vehicles but I expressed the opinion that the cleaning operations could possibly be improved.

“In wet or damp conditions, these fine particle deposits create a slurry that acts as a lubricant between car tyres and the road surface.”

Rotherham Council said its highways inspectors were monitoring the condition of the carriageway on a daily basis.

It was working on other measures keep the road as clean as possible, an official added.