Yorkshire man struggles to open front door due to 10 road accidents in 13 weeks

Colne Bridge resident Nigel Rogers attended the last meeting of Kirklees Council to press the issues concerning Bog Green Lane – the B6118 – as a matter of urgency. Mr Rogers highlighted that the road which connects Upper Heaton with Colne Bridge has seen ten incidents occur in the space of 13 weeks with six of those occurring in the last five.

He thanked the council for the action it’s taken so far including adding new signage to the area but felt more action is needed.

He said: “To summarise what has happened with vehicles coming up and down the road and losing control and hitting either the telegraph pole or the land surrounding my property. This has caused substantial damage to my wall and garden which now restricts access to my front door as well as damage to the public footpath.

“Incidents began in September when a vehicle hit a telegraph pole opposite my house. They’ve increased in frequency. One of the most recent incidents saw a pickup come to a standstill on the top of my garden wall. Thankfully I was away from the property at the time and my dog was securely inside.

“There have been ten incidents in 13 weeks which we now know of six which have happened in the last five. A recent Facebook post my son published on the local page has seen comments suggesting people are losing control on the corner not resulting in hitting anything which I am thankful for but believe this is simply down to luck.

“Police have attended the incident which I understand will result in investigations. This will take months to complete. With the increased number of collisions, I am worried that will result in casualties soon. I am asking the council to take steps to make the road safer as a matter of urgency and keep my family and property safe.

“I have now been left with no barrier between the road and my front door as the stone wall, hedge, and gates have been destroyed, my two dogs who previously enjoyed running from the garden to the house in safety, I can no longer allow this. I must watch them from the patio area.”

Mr Rogers added that in all his time living in the property since 2004, he had not experienced accidents like this. He also expressed fear that due to his lack of mobility, he may not be able to move out of the way if a vehicle was heading for his property. He attributed the increase in accidents to the surface of the road.

Coun Naheed Mathers, cabinet member for environment replied: “I am anxious to ensure the safety of pedestrians, residents, and those driving through, and as far as I’m aware, the council highways department are aware of several incidents that you’ve mentioned on this stretch of the road. They are losing control as they move southwards. A series of assessments of the existing road surface are being taken to determine if any action is necessary to improve the grip level you’ve mentioned. Thank you for acknowledging the fact we’ve put on new signage.

“In response, we’re doing all that is possible and considering all the options, and my advice to road users is to take caution, reduce speed and drive to the conditions, especially during the winter period whilst travelling along Bog Lane because that’s what we require because you’ve lived there long enough and you know it didn’t happen before.

“Additional signage has been installed to warn drivers of the risk of slippery surfaces, so we need drivers to behave better rather than risk other people’s lives, stock, and property. We are continuing to monitor the existing situation and if necessary we will introduce further temporary measures to reduce the short-term risk of more incidents taking place. Rest assured it’s in hand. It’s my ward, it’s highways will always try and put residents and road safety at the heart of everything we do.”