PLANS have been made to improve a dangerous section of a road in Lees following the deaths of two cyclists.

There were fatal collisions at the junction with Huddersfield Road and Stamford Road in August last year and March with another serious incident happening in September 2020.

But now the council is set to remodel several junctions, including the ones with Stamford Road and Dunham Street in efforts, to improve road safety, Cllr Al-Hamdani has revealed.

He said: “This has been traumatic for the family and friends of the people involved, and for the local residents, who have seen two such terrible accidents outside their houses.

“I am glad that so much effort is being put in to redesigning this junction by the highways team.

"It has long been a problem area, with an unusual legacy of criss-crossing junctions meeting on to a main road.”

The councillor said the designs involve a major reconfiguration of the junctions, which are likely to involve traffic signals, toucan facilities, and a realigned, simplified side road arrangement.

Surrounding roads have been plagued with reports of drivers speeding as well, according to Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani.

The Liberal Democrat representative also said he wants speed cameras and safety signs to be put in the area to crackdown on the problem.

He is calling for safer speed limits to be put in place too.

Cllr Al-Hamdani highlighted Under Lane in Grotton and the A672 in Denshaw as roads that would benefit from such changes.

He added: “I regularly see reports and videos of cars speeding through the area, particularly on Dunham Street.

"It is immensely frustrating to see this, and I am very hopeful that these proposals will improve safety, particularly for cyclists, who have been the most vulnerable people at this junction.

“I still believe that there need to be more roads which are given 20mph speed limits, which are critical for improving road safety.

“I know of far too many roads, both in my ward and outside, where the speed limits, lack of pavements, and careless drivers combine to leave residents feeling exposed and in danger."

In response, deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Amanda Chadderton, said: “Our thoughts remain with the bereaved families and friends.

“These tragic incidents, and the issues surrounding them, continue to be investigated by the coroner and the police who will deliver their conclusions in due course.

“Our highways team actively monitor our roads and streets and we are always looking at ways to improve road safety for all road users especially cyclists and pedestrians.

“That is why we are looking to install traffic signals, a toucan crossing and a simplified road arrangement at this junction.

"As part of this we have proactively engaged with local members who support the planned improvements.

“We would always urge road users to drive carefully and stay within the speed limit.”