Derbyshire County Council’s highways team has been recognised at a national level for its sustained work to reduce danger on the A57 Snake Pass, receiving an award from the Road Safety Foundation and the Department for Transport at a ceremony in the House of Lords.
National accolade for long-term approach
The accolade follows a programme of measures on the Snake Pass, a principal east–west link between Sheffield and Manchester which carries an estimated 30,000 vehicles a week. Judges said the scheme stood out for its track record across several projects, strong engagement with local people and businesses, and a strategic outlook rather than short-term fixes.
“This award is a fantastic achievement and recognises the hard work and commitment our highways team have put into making the A57 Snake Pass safer for everyone who uses it.”
The council has invested a total of £7.6 million on the route. Officials and councillors say the funding has been used to deliver a package of engineering works, surfacing and safety improvements aimed at reducing collisions and improving resilience on a stretch of road prone to weather-related damage.
Local context and continuing challenges
While the award celebrates progress, the Snake Pass still faces significant challenges. The route suffers from multiple landslips that threaten its future because repair costs are substantial. There are currently four known landslip sites on the route, and drivers will also encounter temporary traffic lights in two locations where the carriageway has been reduced to one lane. A 7.5 tonne weight restriction is in place on parts of the road.
- Investment: £7.6m spent on improvements
- Traffic: ~30,000 vehicles per week
- Known issues: four landslips, two temporary one‑lane sections, 7.5t weight limit
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Investment | £7.6 million |
| Estimated traffic | 30,000 vehicles per week |
| Landslips | 4 locations |
| Traffic constraints | Two temporary one‑lane sections; 7.5t weight limit |
Councillors described the recognition as an endorsement of the council’s broader strategy to improve road safety across Derbyshire, not solely on the Snake Pass. The award from a national safety body and the Department for Transport highlights the value of combining engineering works with community engagement and long-term planning.
For drivers and businesses that rely on the route, the council says continued monitoring and maintenance will be required to ensure the road remains usable and safe, particularly during periods of adverse weather when the risk of further slips or closures increases.
Officials have not announced further specific funding or a timetable for resolving the larger geological issues that affect the road, but the recognition at the House of Lords is likely to strengthen the council’s case when seeking future resources for resilience and repair work.
