We're introducing an 18-month Experimental Traffic Order which will make the route one-way uphill for motor vehicles while gathering feedback from residents and user groups during a trial period. The changes are intended to address safety concerns linked to the steep, narrow nature of the route.
A safety review found a number of issues, including:
- ·the risk of vehicles becoming stuck because there are no passing places.
- poor visibility on the narrow and winding route.
- the risk of loss of control on steep sections.
The Clough is officially classified as a Byway Open to All Traffic and can be used by a range of users including drivers, cyclists, horse riders and walkers.
The route has no passing places for vehicles and is bordered by stone walls along its length.
Under the Experimental Traffic Order, which will affect around three quarters of the entire length of the 640-metre-long byway, motor vehicles will only be permitted to travel uphill towards New Road. New signs will be installed at both ends of the route to advise users of the change.
Walkers, horse riders and cyclists will continue to be able to use the route in both directions.
The trial will allow us to monitor how the changes affect use of the byway, consider any reported safety issues and gather evidence before deciding whether the restriction should be removed, amended or made permanent
Our Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Charlotte Hill, said:
"Everything we do is focused on keeping Derbyshire's roads safe and this trial will help us better understand whether a one-way arrangement reduces the risks associated with vehicles travelling on the byway.
"We want to hear from local residents and user groups about their experiences so that any future decision is informed by evidence and public feedback."
Find out more about the temporary experimental traffic order.
You can also read the full legal experimental traffic order.
The experimental trial will be in place until March 2028 to allow time for us to review use of the byway before any final decision is made.
The Bamford Clough provides an off-road link between the junction of Taggs Knoll, Joan Lane and Fidlers WelI in Bamford village to New Road at the summit.