Councillors on the Transport Regeneration and Climate Committee today agreed to progress a government-funded scheme to reduce road danger on Ecclesall Road (the A625). This was after the Department for Transport awarded £1.4 million to Sheffield Council after identifying it as one of the most dangerous roads in the country.
Measures to reduce danger include lowering of speed limits, new pedestrian crossings and safety cameras.
One area where plans have yet to be finalised is Hunters Bar, where the dangerous layout of the roundabout leads to drivers colliding with cyclists. In the last four years, 8 cyclists have been injured, three of them seriously. There are also concerns about pedestrian safety. In a survey by the campaign group Living Streets, 77% of pedestrians reported a near-miss in the area, which is home to Hunters Bar school and Endcliffe Park.
Green Party Councillor for City Ward, Ruth Mersereau said
“I welcome the measures to reduce deaths, serious injuries and collisions – these fatalities and injuries are preventable, and there are far too many of them on this stretch of road and in Sheffield. The numbers of killed and injured are not just statistics; they represent real people whose lives are either cut short, or changed forever. And there are many more people in their wider families and communities who are also impacted. It is very clear that these measures are necessary. We must not compromise on road danger reduction – any intervention must robustly demonstrate that those most at risk will be prioritised.”
Green Councillor Alexi Dimond, Deputy Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said:
“Those killed or seriously injured on Ecclesall Road are disproportionately pedestrians and cyclists, who are most vulnerable to dangerous driving, unsafe speeds; and road designs which make danger worse.
“I would have liked the scheme to go further, particularly with regards to safe speeds. It would have been desirable for the 20mph limit to be extended to at least Banner Cross, and 30mph limit to be extended to Whirlowdale Road.
“Hunter’s Bar roundabout is clearly an unacceptably dangerous location, especially for cyclists. Many people have also expressed concerns about the safety of children going to school or the park. It’s important that we consider all options for reducing danger at this location, and as Greens we will be supporting the most impactful intervention, consistent with our ambition of achieving Vision Zero – no casualties on Sheffield roads – and a pedestrian friendly city.”
