CROSSING islands are being put back on a dangerous stretch of a main Huddersfield road after a public outcry.
Highways chiefs from Kirklees Council are restoring the central “refuge” islands outside Huddersfield New College on New Hey Road at Salendine Nook.
The council removed the islands last summer when changes were made to the zebra crossings.
A letter sent to people living nearby said: “This was done in an attempt to reduce speeds and because the staggered island arrangement could not accommodate the amount of children wishing to cross the road, they were removed.
“Although the works have reduced the speeds of vehicles on this section of the A640 at school times, some pupils and residents have raised other concerns around conflicts crossing the full width of the road in one go, mixed messages on the numerous traffic signs and poor lighting of the crossings in the evening.”
Putting the crossings back is part of a series of measures to deal with traffic problems.
Others include improving the road surface, markings, lighting and signs.
The two zebra crossings are a short distance from the pelican crossing where 18-year-old college student Adam O’Toole, of Woodhead Road, Holmbridge, was killed in a hit-and-run incident on March 6 last year.
In March this year the Examiner reported concerns about the road raised by Anthony Martin, of Chesil Bank at Quarmby.
Mr Martin’s son, Luke, 11, goes to training with West End Football Club at Huddersfield New College on Wednesday nights.
His father said he took his life in his hands every time he crossed the road.
Reacting to the news about the work that is due to take place he said: “The main problem is monitoring the drivers. The islands are a good idea, but you have to bear in mind that they won’t stop people speeding down there.
“There should be cameras at the point where it goes from a 40mph to a 30mph zone. Once people get points or fines they will soon stop speeding.”
But Clr David Hall, Kirklees Cabinet’s member for highways, said: “We have addressed people’s concerns about the reshaping work done in 2007.
“We hope the new measures will improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers using this busy route.”
The work will take place during the summer holidays.
