The Snake Pass - is it time for a change?

The Snake Pass is notorious for being one of the most dangerous roads in the UK, with 137 accidents recorded between 2014-2018. 

The 26-mile route stretches from Glossop to Sheffield and is described as a “hotspot for fatal accidents” and “notoriously hazardous”.

Residents who live in the Shirebook/ Sheffield Road area of Glossop often take to Facebook to express their frustration of the constant noise of motorbikes and cars constantly speeding up the road.

There are frequent Bike Meets on the Snake and there are several photographers who sit on the dangerous corners taking pictures of the bikers which could encourage dangerous behaviour in an attempt to get the best shot.

The impact of this is far more than just the devastation to the families involved - often innocent people are caught up in the tragedies that occur on this road; members of the emergency services, local businesses who can’t operate because the road is shut and other drivers on the road who sometimes get caught up in the accidents that occur. 

During the colder months, the road is often impassable due to snow and ice, and even in mild weather, its high altitude means conditions can change rapidly. Black ice is a common hazard, particularly in the early morning or late evening, and fog can descend quickly, reducing visibility to dangerous levels. The combination of tight bends, steep drops, and adverse weather has contributed to Snake Pass being regularly ranked as one of the UK’s most dangerous roads.

Within the last two years, Derbyshire County Council have spent around £26,000 on the routine maintenance of two landslip sites over the last three years, and approximately £100,000 on a ground investigation at the most recent failure at Alport following the winter storms in February 2022. 

The council have also carried out surface dressing over the last few years on the wider road, and we have the traffic lights and weight restriction signs in place because of the landslides and access.

Currently, there are no speed cameras on the Snake Pass but with the recent  motorbike incident which left one man in his 50s dead and one man in his 60s dead, perhaps it might be time for a change? 

Concerned residents of the local area have been telling the Glossop Chronicle how they think safety should be tightened up on the infamous stretch of road. Comments consisted of, “Since 2007 there had been a 50mph on the A57 Snake Road but very rarely is it enforced this should be a joint enforcement from both Derbyshire and Yorkshire Police.”

“Trouble is, as soon as the sun's out, everyone is out, kids jumping into things they shouldn't, people on bikes and it's such a shame that the weather has such an effect on behaviour, because we don't get a decent stretch, so they take bike out, sad for the loss, their families and friends.”

“I have heard of many motor cyclists dying on The Snake over the years. Perhaps it should be banned for motor cyclists or more speed cameras. I wonder if there’s any particular place where the accidents happen?”. 

Another person said: “There needs to be something done about this ongoing issue of accidents on this bit of road, when an accident happens it shakes the whole town up because the road is shut so people can’t get to and from Sheffield using the A57.”

Old Glossop Councillor Adie Hopkinson commented on the matter saying: "Please rest assured that I have raised this with Derbyshire Police after last week's double fatal on the Snake Pass." 

He added: "I have always wanted to work passionately to improve road safety however unfortunately I do feel the residents of the High Peak don't receive the same level of police service as other areas of Derbyshire." 

The road has been shut for a few weeks to cater for road repair works, especially on parts of the road where there has been numerous landslides.