The A5012 from Ryder Point to Newhaven now has average speed cameras which will mean those breaking the speed limit can expect to receive a notice of intended prosecution from the police.
Three more cameras are due to be installed later this year once land has been purchased. These cameras are on the Cromford to Ryder Point stretch of the road.
The cameras have been installed to reduce the number of collisions on the road, and have been funded by the government through the Safer Roads Fund initiative.
Our Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Hill, explains:
“The government awarded the council funding for road safety measures on the A5012 based on historic collision rates.
“As well as a range of different measures on the road to reduce the collision rates we have chosen to install average speed cameras.
“National statistics show that average speed cameras change behaviour and they slow motorists down. Roads that have had average speed cameras fitted have shown significant reductions in the number of collisions.
“On this road for the years 2023 to 2025 there were 27 collisions, with 42 people being injured. Of these 13 were classed as serious injuries. Anything we can do to lower these rates can only be a good thing, and we are hopeful that these cameras will save people from being injured.”
As well as average speed cameras on the A5012 we have carried out a range of safety measures, including:
- lowering the speed limit at Grange Mill Crossroads from 50mph to 40mph and west of Grange Mill from national (60mph) to 50mph.
- installing additional vehicle restraint systems on the most hazardous bends
- improving the visibility and reflectiveness of road markings.
- a review and update to traffic signs along the route - this included changes to the speed limit gateway and repeater signs
- undertaking improvements to where footpaths join road to help ensure pedestrians don’t step out onto the road
- building new pavements at Pikehall
- improving highway drainage to help water leave the road
- improving visibility by removing overhanging or obstructive vegetation as part of the ash clearance works
Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said:
“These new enforcement cameras will be welcomed by communities in the affected areas and are vital for addressing ongoing issues of speeding along the routes.
“The data provides clear evidence of how urgent these measures are. Every death or serious injury brings untold pain and heartache for the families left behind and we must do everything possible as partners to make our roads safer for all.
“These cameras could save lives and, at the very least will positively impact driver behaviour. This alone can prevent further collisions. I fully support road safety schemes designed to make our roads and those using them safer in the future.”
Inspector John Troup, who leads the policing of the Derbyshire Dales, said:
“Speeding is one of the main causes of serious and fatal collisions on the roads of Derbyshire.
“The use of cameras in targeted areas across the county, based on those routes where speed poses the most risk, will help stop officers having to tell a family that their loved one is never coming home.
“The roads in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak are enjoyed by millions of people every year – and our single aim is to make sure that every visitor can continue to enjoy them in a safe manner.”
Speed limit changes
The speed limit changes along the A5012:
- from Ryder Point to Grange Mills the limit is unchanged at 50mph
- around the Grange Mill crossroads the limit drops to 40mph on each approach and then goes back to 50mph from just after the crossroads to Newhaven, having being reduced from 60mph
The cameras clock a vehicle entering and leaving each speed zone and compare the average speed against the speed limit in that particular area.
Motorists caught speeding by the cameras should expect to hear from Derbyshire Police. They will be offered an opportunity to take a speed awareness course.
If they are not eligible for a speed awareness course (because they have had one in the last 3 years, or the speed is too high, or have not responded promptly) the next option may be a conditional offer of fixed penalty. This is a £100 fixed penalty fine, and the driver’s licence endorsed with 3 penalty points.