The whole area round HOP station could do with a redesign, IMHO. Visibility of those approaching the crossing from the middle of the road for drivers going uphill is poor and the restrictions on speed downhill are weak too, as the OP said.

By the way, if anyone was annoyed by an idiot parked on the wrong side of Stanstead road at the bus stop before the fire station at teatime last night, it was me, so my apologies - my engine cut out as I was turning right into Wastdale to take car to garage, and the steering lock prevented me completing the turn on momentum, so I had to bail out. Fortunate nothing worse happened.