Motorists have spoken out about dangerous drivers speeding through a 20mph road at almost four times the speed limit.
Councillors are being urged to act in Lancashire following reports of drivers smashing speed limits near a stately home.
Local residents claim that some drivers are travelling as fast as 78mph despite a 20mph speed limit being in place on the road in Towneley Park.
Executives from Burnley Council are being urged to introduce traffic calming measures to slash speeds and improve road safety.
There have been calls for measures to be launched over a 445-acre space owned by the authority surrounding Towneley Hall.
A council meeting next week is expected to provide clarity on the situation amid hopes a consultation will be launched into the issue.
The 20mph speed limit in Towneley Park is understood to have been introduced in 2010, although drivers are now avoiding the recommended speed.
However, the speed limit, which is in place between Unity College and Springwood Road, is not regularly monitored by the police, the BBC reported.
Drivers have been clocked travelling as fast as 78mph on the 20mph road
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GETTY/GOOGLE MAPS
Motorists have been using Deer Park Road and Towneley Holmes Road as a shortcut to get to Red Lees Road, Todmorden Road and Parliament Street.
A report sent to the council stated that “a significant minority” ignore the 20mph speed limit on the road.
Up to 85 per cent of vehicles exceed the speed limit, with the top speed being clocked at 78mph.
It also highlighted how traffic volumes have increased dramatically over recent years, with an estimated 1.14 million vehicles driving through the park every year.
The report outlined that the excessive speed of vehicles presents a serious risk to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in the area.
It added that speeding drivers could “detract from the public’s enjoyment of Towneley as a quiet place for recreation”.
Several traffic calming measures have been proposed, including installing speed humps and raised crossing points along Deer Park Road and Towneley Holmes Road.
It is hoped that any road changes introduced will deter motorists from using the route as a throughway between Red Lees Road and Todmorden Road.
The council are expected to launch a consultation next week
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BURNLEY COUNCIL
The road through the park is defined as a “Byway Open to All Traffic” and is maintained by Burnley Council, with Lancashire County Council being involved in the joint consultation.
Councillor Jack Launer, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture, said: “Towneley is one of our borough’s most loved green spaces, and we want to make sure it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“We know many park users, including families, dog walkers and those who value Towneley’s wildlife, have expressed worries about speeding and the volume of vehicles travelling through the park.
“These proposals will help protect people who use the park while keeping access for those who need to drive. We’re asking residents and visitors to share their views once the consultation opens.”