Motorists rescued from shortcut after road closure

A vehicle rescue group has warned drivers against using an unsuitable road in the Peak District after multiple call-outs to help stranded motorists.

Derbyshire County Council is resurfacing a section of the A54, known as the Cat and Fiddle, on the Buxton side of the route until October.

Peak 4x4 Response, a charity run by volunteers, said some motorists had ignored the designated diversion - which runs through the centre of Leek in Staffordshire - and chosen a more direct route from Buxton along Macclesfield Old Road.

Marcus Murray, of Peak 4x4 Response, said Macclesfield Old Road contained boulders, steps and washouts that made it unsuitable for standard road vehicles.

The group has recently responded to 15 call-outs along a mile and a half long stretch of the road.

Murray said: "People are thinking 'because it is on a map, it is going to be OK', but it is a BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic).

"[BOATs] are not maintained to the same standard, there are boulders that are several inches tall, there are steps and there are washouts - there are all sorts that make it completely unsuitable for a standard road vehicle."

He said people were choosing to drive on Macclesfield Old Road because they thought it would be quicker than going on the official diversion route.

Murray doubts whether sat navs are sending motorists that way due to the road being a BOAT.

He believes people are looking at maps and seeing that it is a direct way to get to Macclesfield.

On most occasions, members of his group have simply told motorists to turn round and get off the unsuitable track, but on one occasion, a car needed towing to safety.

The council's diversion route is from Buxton to Leek town centre. From there, motorists need to use the A523 to the Macclesfield end of the Cat and Fiddle road.

A second phase of work should start next spring and is due to last three months.

Ian Bullard lives in Macclesfield Old Road and has seen cars get stuck on the track.

He said: "I've cycled past a nice brand new little Audi Q4, got himself stuck up there well and truly.

"I think he had to call his friend out who came and picked him up with one of these big 4x4 pickup truck things."

Bullard also said that he had seen two flatbed trucks try and use the road, and despite it being unsuitable, motorists were determined to use it.

"Once you're committed, I think it is human nature to just keep going," he added.

"It's one minor error at a time so by the time you're three quarters over the old road, you're then committed and at that point you get stuck and then you start to look a little bit red-faced."

A county council spokesperson said: "When roads are closed for safety reasons or essential works, Derbyshire County Council provides signed diversion routes to help motorists travel safely.

"Drivers are responsible for ensuring the route they choose is suitable for their vehicle and journey.

"Where recurring issues are identified, we will consider whether additional signage or other measures are needed."

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