A NEW campaign calls for urgent safety measures to be introduced at two busy Shelf roundabouts regularly blighted by speeding drivers.

Stuart Cairney, Labour’s candidate for Northowram and Shelf ward, is collecting signatures for rumble strips to be installed at both Stone Chair roundabout and the mini roundabout at the bottom of Cooper Lane, Shelf, in order to slow drivers down.

It comes amid concern from local residents following speeding vehicles, collisions and near misses.

There was also an accident on Halifax Road just near Stone Chair roundabout earlier this week where a white van ended up smashing into a garden wall.

Mr Cairney said: “I was shocked to hear that residents had suffered near misses at the Stone Chair roundabout and that many were too afraid to cross at the junctions at all. As a driver and cyclist, I’ve seen near misses myself, and it’s clear that speed is a factor.

“The speed limit signage is extremely confusing because the roads which cross have different speed limits of 40mph and 30mph. It’s clearly dangerous for anyone to cross at each junction and residents have had enough of feeling scared.”

He said action was needed sooner rather than later before a serious collision took place.

“While traffic lights may slow traffic down, they would also cause congestion at an already extremely busy junction. I believe rumble strips will do an excellent job of alerting drivers to slow down immediately on their approach and be extra cautious. I would also welcome safer pedestrian crossings.”

A second roundabout – the mini roundabout at the bottom of Cooper Lane, Shelf – has been plagued with collisions and near misses since it was installed more than 10 years ago. While Calderdale Council’s Highways Department has undertaken to carry out a review of the road layout, near misses occur on a daily basis.

Halifax MP Holly Lynch backed Stuart’s action, saying: “As a local resident, I am well aware of the issues at both Stone Chair and Cooper Lane and - after consulting with residents - I met with Highways at Calderdale Council to discuss some of the issues. I'm backing Stuart's petition as it's now really time we saw some action to make these junctions safe."

Mr Cairney added: “The time for talking is over now and we need action. Our roads are busier than ever and must be fit for purpose. Residents deserve to feel safe – as both road users and pedestrians.”

To sign the petition for action, please visit change.org.