Campaign for traffic calming measures

Upper Hopton Community Association Road Safety Team believe a 20mph speed limit paired with traffic calming measures will reduce the number of accidents on Hopton Lane, Hopton Hall Lane and Jackroyd Lane.

They are also fighting for better access for residents to ensure they can walk and cycle safely.

Richard Auty, chairman of the group, said: “We are ultimately aiming for a 20mph speed restriction as well as traffic calming measures on the stretch of road, about a quarter of a mile long, from the Travellers Rest pub on Hopton Lane down to the junction with Hopton Hall Lane.

“To get to the footpath from the residential areas, people have no choice but to cross the road. “

“We want to reduce the number of accidents that occur, and are campaigning for a 20mph speed limit and road cushions, which the road safety officer advised would be the best restriction for the area.

“We know the council budgets are tight but we have a duty of care to the villagers and people passing through the area and we think the council need to have that same duty of care too.”

Last July Declan Newsome, 15, was fatally injured on Hopton Lane when his bicycle hit a car, causing him to lose control. An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death, which was unrelated to speed, but Declan’s parents have also called for safety measures to be introduced on the road.

The campaign has the full backing of the Mirfield Town Council and is supported by Coun Vivien Lees-Hamilton.

She said: “The traffic calming measures already in place don’t seem to be having the same impact as they used to and have become inadequate.

“Drivers come tearing through Upper Hopton with no acknowledgement that it is someone’s home they are speeding past - their attitude to speed is terrible.”

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “Traffic calming for this area is being discussed but there are only three unrelated injury accidents recorded by the police for this location over the last 15 months.”