Highways chiefs have been urged to take urgent action on a dangerous road before someone is killed.

Penistone Road at Fenay Bridge has been the scene of two recent accidents.

On Bank Holiday Monday (May 6) a male cyclist was seriously injured in a collision that left his bicycle embedded in the front of a car.

And in March a motorcyclist was in collision with a car.

Now local councillors are calling on highways bosses to act quickly to reduce the speed limit to 30mph and to install safety measures including traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing.

They fear a failure to do so could mean someone losing their life.

Clr Alison Munro (Lib Dem, Almondbury) said rising numbers of cars on the A629 Penistone Road made it a priority for safety measures.

Closure of Penistone Road from Huddersfield side
Closure of Penistone Road from Huddersfield side

"It's just a matter of time before someone is killed. The council needs to act now.

"Penistone Road is busy all the time. It used to be just at peak times but it has got worse."

Clr Munro met with highways officers four years ago to assess the junction. She said the volume of  traffic has increased "tremendously" in that time.

She has now called for traffic to be monitored in a fresh attempt to introduce a speed limit reduction.

RTC involving motorbike on Penistone Road

Fellow ward councillor Bernard McGuin (Con, Almondbury) witnessed the aftermath of Monday's accident and saw a male cyclist lying in the road.

"He wasn't moving when I went past. He looked in a bad way. I could see people trying to help. Other people standing at the side of the road had their hands to their heads and were crying. It was really upsetting.

"Any right turn onto Penistone Road - from Station Road, Fenay Lane and as far up as Rowley Lane - is horrendous. People take chances and sometimes they are taking their lives in their hands.

Kirklees councillor Bernard McGuin
Kirklees councillor Bernard McGuin

"This particular junction has been highlighted many times by myself and others as being dangerous. The ultimate solution would be traffic lights and/or a pedestrian crossing and/or a reduction of the 40mph speed limit.

"There have been many minor accidents but Highways officers have said I have to provide evidence that a change is needed.

"That means a serious injury or a death.

"So somebody will have to die before before the council will act. That's what is being implied to me: they want me to provide a body and to say that I was right all along. That's not what I want to happen.

"We can't wait until someone is killed.

"I feel very frustrated."

Clr Alison Munro

Clr McGuin has written to Kirklees Council calling for improvements.

Clr Munro has set up an online petition calling for action.

Kirklees Council was approached to comment.