MOTORISTS should be forced to reduce speed on a road where dozens of people have been injured, a councillor has said.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet agreed this week to cut the limit on Penistone Road between New Mill and Shepley from 60mph to 50mph.

But Holme Valley South councillor Nigel Patrick wants the limit reduced further to 40mph.

Since 2000, there have been 31 collisions on the two-mile stretch of road, injuring 55 people and killing three.

Among the victims was father-of-four Nigel Martin. The Holmfirth man died in 2005 when his Yamaha bike hit a barrier near the Crossroads Inn.

Clr Patrick said: “You can expect more fatalities with a 50mph limit.

“I’m not prepared to take that risk with people’s lives. Reducing the limit to 40mph will make a difference. It will give people crossing the road more time.”

Clr Patrick believes Penistone Road is dangerous.

He said: “It may be a rural road but it has hidden dangers. Pulling out of Marsh Lane you take your life in your hands.”

Clr Patrick also criticised the police who told Kirklees that a 40mph limit would be “unenforceable”.

He said: “I find it bizarre. I expect the police to enforce a speed limit when it’s set.”

But Denby Dale councillor Jim Dodds disagreed.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, the council’s deputy leader said: “I drive that road twice daily and I’m not aware of traffic speeding.”

Some 200 residents and road users were consulted on the proposed switch from 60mph to 50mph. Sixty responded, with 41 in favour of the move.