‘Disappointing’ road U-turn
ACCIDENT BLACKSPOT WILL NOW GET ONLY MINOR SAFETY UPGRADE
MINOR changes will be made to a notorious accident blackspot in Huddersfield after highways chiefs said there was no cash available to introduce major safety measures.
The “disappointing” response comes just days after a senior figure at Kirklees Council said “significant action” was being planned at the danger junction of Station Road and the A629 Penistone Road at Fenay Bridge.
The pledge by Clr Rob Walker followed four accidents involving vehicles, cyclists and a motorcyclist in just 16 days. But local councillors who met with highways staff yesterday to discuss options said officers had backtracked on Clr Walker’s pledge “to take whatever appropriate measures to deal with the issue”.
Clr Bernard McGuin, who represents Almondbury for the Conservatives, said the meeting was ultimately disappointing as highways officers reverted back to minor changes suggested in 2019.
They include altering the alignment of the road and the kerb line, improving the sightline and upgrading road markings, warning signs and refuges.
He said those minor changes were “reluctantly” agreed to but that planned extra housing in the immediate area would “spell more trouble” if extra safety measures were not introduced.
“What they have told us is that they have applied to a Government fund to improve the corridor from Station Road to Shorehead roundabout [in Huddersfield] along the A629,” revealed Clr McGuin.
“If traffic lights are going to be installed at the junction it will cost around £200,000. It might be 2023 when that happens.
“There is no money in Highways’ budget to provide them anyway.”
He added: “I reluctantly agreed to the minor changes.
“Another change would screen off outward-bound traffic on Penistone Road to deter right-turners from Station Road rushing out and to take note of cyclists more.
“It is obvious that there is no easy answer but, with major developments threatened in Lepton and Fenay Bridge in the future, the accumulation of extra housing spells more trouble for without some relief infrastructure.”
Speaking at a meeting of Kirklees Council’s decision-making Cabinet on Tuesday, Clr Walker, the member for culture and environment, said: “I do completely accept that that is a dangerous stretch of road. Do rest assured that officers are looking at taking more substantial action.”
The Lib Dems’ Clr Alison Munro has raised two petitions over the Station Road/Penistone Road junction.
One called for a reduction of the speed limit along Penistone Road. The other requested the installation of traffic lights.
They were signed by more than 1,650 people.