'Silhouette' signs could cut Wakefield Road deaths

Jun 16 2009 By Sam Casey

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK body-shaped boards have been installed at crash black spots on a notorious Huddersfield road.

The 12 ‘silhouette’ placards have been fixed to lampposts at six locations where there have been fatal accidents on Wakefield Road.

They are printed with the word "think" and are designed to act as a stark warning to drivers about the dangers of speeding.

They are believed to be the first of their kind anywhere in the country.

There were 78 accidents resulting in 125 casualties on Wakefield Road between 2004 and 2008. Ten people have died on the road in the last four years.

The boards were the brainchild of Clr David Sheard, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, environment and transport.

He had the idea after seeing a similar initiative used on roads in France.

"It’s very striking," he said.