Petition for more safety measures on 'worst road'

Councillors have launched a petition campaigning for greater road safety over fears a crossroads in Huddersfield may end up causing a fatality.

For residents, accidents at the crossroads at Cobcroft Road and Percy Street have become a "regular" occurrence, according to councillor Toby Cooper.

He said it was "a miracle someone hasn't been killed" and described the location as "one of the worst roads in Birkby in terms of safety."

David Shepherd, executive director for place at Kirklees Council, said the petition would be considered and the council was committed to "improving road safety in our communities".

Cooper said since starting his term as a councillor in May, "at least three" severe crashes had been reported to him, including one where a person had to be cut out of their car.

Footage obtained by the Local Democracy Service dating back as far as 2019 shows traffic incidents at the crossroads, including one video of woman walking down the street before being crushed into a wall as a result of two cars colliding.

Cooper raised concerns about the crossroads' location near to Birkby Junior School, various community centres and a GP practice.

"The fire service has had to take the roofs off cars because the crashes have been so severe," he said.

"It's a really serious issue and one of the worst roads in Birkby in terms of safety."

Cooper said he worried about the "sheer amount" of resources deployed every time an accident occurred, with one crash requiring three ambulances and a fire service vehicle.

Although a 'Give Way' sign has now been installed at the crossroads, it's "just the start" of what needs to happen in order to make the road safer, he added.

"Much more needs to be done to tackle collisions on this crossroads.

"Once Cabinet meetings resume in September, we will take the petition to the council in hope of achieving greater improvements to the zone."

Speaking on the petition, Shepherd said: "Improving road safety in our communities is a priority for the council, and we're committed to our Vision Zero pledge of making our roads safer by eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

"The petition has been received and allocated to a member of our road safety team. The officer will conduct a detailed investigation of the crossroads and assess any road safety measures in place.

"Petitions such as this one are a valuable tool for communities to raise their concerns. Any petition which is submitted to Kirklees Council is processed in accordance with our Petition Scheme, details of which are on our website."

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