Great Gutter Lane -Road Safety

"Great Gutter Lane" - Road Safety Petition

The stretch of road from Melton to Willerby is known locally as Great Gutter Lane - going west it actually comprises Great Gutter Lane, Swanland Dale and Melton Bottom.

Over the years it has seen many accidents and considerably more "near misses" over many years. Drivers coming off the new interchange at Ferriby find themselves on what is a country road with hidden bends and dips.

Since October 2007 there have been 6 reported crashes including 2 fatal incidents and a 3rd serious incident which thankfully did not result in fatalities. The latest incident occurred at the Riplingham Road Junction on Jan 8th 2008.

While accepting that "generally there are no dangerous roads - only dangerous drivers" this does not mean that some improvements to the road cannot be made.

Police enforcement of the existing 60 mph speed limit might also be helpful.

What has been done to date?

November 2007 A petition was circulated to demand that East Riding Highways Department urgently consider what can be done to improve the safety aspects of Great Gutter Lane. The petition received 632 signatures from local residents and from employees of Omya Quarry Plant.

Jan 11th 2008 A meeting took place with PC Glen Denis of Humberside Police Traffic Division. PC Denis made several suggestions on some of the possible measures that might be appropriate. He also indicated that some Police activity along the road would be implemented.

Jan 11th A meeting took place with Peter Minoughan, General Manager of Omya Quarry Plant. Omya fully support this initiative since they have a responsibility to their Tanker Drivers and to employees using the road.

Jan 30th The petition was submitted with a covering letter and presented by Graham Latter to the Environment & Transport Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Ward Councillors Julie Abraham and Angela Ibson also spoke and strongly supported the proposals.

Feb 19 A Ferriby resident reports "A driver over took 5 cars heading straight for us. We were lucky no one was behind us and we could slow right down to let him get through the narrow gap. After all the publicity I give up!"

March 11 We have been advised that Officers are considering the petition and will hopefully report back to the next meeting of the Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee which is on 4 June 2008. They apologise for the length of time but they have a lot of information and options to consider and wish to consider them fully.

View Map of the road

This web page will be kept updated with reports of progress made and any other relevant news.

Please address any comments or suggestions to Graham Latter at 62 Mill Rise, Swanland. HU14 3PW Tel/Fax 01482 632 276