ACTION will finally be taken on what has long been touted as Barnsley’s most dangerous stretch of road thanks to a raft of safety measures which have been promised following an investigation into its issues.

The A616 between Hazlehead crossroads and Victoria crossroads, including Crow Edge village, were identified as areas which could benefit from remedial work.

The stretch has long been an issue to residents who have expressed concerns in relation to safety, excessive speeds and inappropriate parking, particularly of HGVs.

Despite a recent safety scheme at Hazlehead crossroads, concerns remained about the route and a series of improvements were signed off by ruling cabinet members on Wednesday.

In addition to minor signing and lining improvements to better identify individual hazards such as bends or steep gradients, and measures to limit HGV parking within Crow Edge village, speed limit changes have been rubber-stamped.

The existing 40mph speed limit through the village - sandwiched by 50mph ‘buffer zones’ - will come into force.

A council report said: “Initially it was proposed to extend the existing 40mph speed limit, together with 50mph buffer zones to each end, but also with the provision of a section of road subject to a 30mph speed limit past Furnace Cottages, Pennine Edge and Sledbrook Drive.

“Short lengths with an intermediate speed limit are proven to be effective in encouraging compliance where short lengths of reduced speed limit are encountered at settlements on long stretches of open road.

“This proposal was discussed with South Yorkshire Police, who were not able to support the 30mph section.

“The maximum reduction to which they would agree was the extension of the existing 40mph section, with the 50mph buffer zones, as per the advertised layout.

“HGVs parking for long periods have been a source of nuisance for residents, as well as creating a hazard.

“A particular concern is due to these vehicles being parked partially or wholly on the footway, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

“The proposed extents of the waiting restrictions - no waiting at any time - are focused not only on the immediate vicinity of the issue, but account for the anticipated displacement of parked vehicles.”

Campaigner Mick Drewry, said a speed limit reduction was vital due to the road’s high collision rate and its history of fatalities.

He added: “Despite the council spending £50,000 on measures a few years ago, accidents are still occurring at an alarming rate.

“The latest occurred on June 29 and that required the attendance of a number of fire engines - I do not know whether there were any injuries.

“Common sense tells you that if you reduce the speed of vehicles that collide, you reduce the severity of the impact and the severity of any injuries, also reducing the potentiality for fatalities.

“A reduced speed also increases drivers’ reaction time, which would also reduce the number of collisions.

“If they seriously want to improve road safety and save lives this is an opportunity for them to do just that.”