Residents and councillors are calling for urgent safety improvements at a Huddersfield crossroads after a string of serious crashes raised fears that someone could eventually lose their life.
A petition has been launched over the junction of Cobcroft Road and Percy Street in Birkby, where councillors say repeated collisions have made it one of the area’s most dangerous roads.
Since taking office in May, Kirklees cllr Toby Cooper said at least three serious crashes have been reported at the junction, including one in which firefighters had to cut a person free from their vehicle. He described the situation as “a miracle someone hasn’t been killed”.
“The fire service has had to take the roofs off cars because the crashes have been so severe,” he said.
“It’s right next to Birkby Junior School and close to community centres and a large GP practice. It’s a really serious issue and one of the worst roads in Birkby in terms of safety.”
Video footage obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service shows collisions at the junction dating back to 2019. One incident captured on camera shows a pedestrian being knocked into a wall after two vehicles collided.
Cllr Cooper also raised concerns about the pressure repeated incidents place on emergency services, saying one recent crash required three ambulances and a fire engine to attend.
While a Give Way sign has recently been installed at the junction, he said further measures were needed to improve safety. “That’s just the start. Much more needs to be done to tackle collisions on this crossroads, which is why we’ve started the petition,” he said.
The petition will be presented to Kirklees Council once Cabinet meetings resume in September, with campaigners hoping further road safety improvements will be considered.
Responding to the campaign, Kirklees Council said the petition had been received and referred to its Road Safety Team for investigation.
Executive Director for Place David Shepherd said: “Improving road safety in our communities is a priority for the council, and we’re committed to our Vision Zero pledge of 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 the existing road safety measures.
“Petitions such as this are a valuable way for communities to raise their concerns.”
