Petition Pushes Action on Dangerous Shepley Junction
A local community in Shepley has shown the power of collective voices after a petition gathered more than 3,000 signatures, urging urgent safety measures at a junction long seen as an accident blackspot. The Carr Lane and Cross Lane crossroads, along with the nearby Sovereign junction, have been the site of frequent collisions and countless near misses. Now, after months of concern, a speed camera could soon be installed to help reduce accidents.
The campaign was launched by Councillor John Taylor, who described the junction as posing a “serious risk” to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Residents had repeatedly witnessed crashes and close calls, and frustration grew as little seemed to change. Taylor’s petition drew in thousands of supporters, and Kirklees Council has now agreed that the site qualifies for a speed camera. While no date has been set for installation, Taylor promised he “won’t stop pushing” until the measure is in place.
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Speaking about the success of the petition, Taylor highlighted the impact of local voices, saying he was pleased that the council had listened to residents’ concerns. He thanked the more than 3,100 people who backed the campaign, stressing that the progress achieved would not have been possible without them. But he also made clear that further steps are needed. In particular, he wants to see a speed reduction to 30 miles per hour on the approaches to Lane Head Road from both Barnsley Road and Carr Lane, believing this would help prevent even more incidents.
This development is also part of a wider movement toward safer roads. Kirklees Council has committed to West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s “Vision Zero” plan, which aims to cut road deaths and serious injuries by half by 2030, and to eliminate them entirely by 2040. For local communities, this long-term vision offers hope, but many residents feel immediate actions—like speed cameras and reduced speed limits—are essential to protect lives now.
At its heart, this story reflects the power of grassroots action. What started as local frustration over a dangerous junction turned into a campaign that gained momentum and ultimately led to concrete steps being promised. The voices of more than three thousand people could not be ignored, and officials have now acknowledged the risks that residents live with every day.
It remains to be seen when the camera and any other safety measures will be installed, but one message has already been made clear: when people come together, real change can be achieved. And in Shepley, that change may very well save lives.
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