Demand for urgent action on road

Police have closed off Elland Road in Brighouse following a fatal crash

Elland man Michael Brook was hit by a blue Mercedes articulated lorry on the A6025 Elland Road, close to The Casa Hotel, at 2.05pm on Tuesday, January 14.

The 65-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Councillor are now calling for immediate action to be taken along the stretch of road.

Councillor Scott Benton, (Con, Brighouse) said he was in the area with fellow Councillor Howard Blagbrough speaking to a resident at Grove Cottages who had raised concerns about the road.

Coun Benton said: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man who was tragically killed.

“My colleague Coun Blagbrough and I met a resident at Grove Cottages, off Elland Road to discuss road safety and parking issues only a few hours before the tragic accident occurred.

“Speeding continues to cause serious concerns on Elland Road and urgent action is required to prevent this from happening again.

“I have requested that Calderdale Council and the police conduct additional speed checks in the short-term but the council needs to consult with local residents about what measures can be taken to address this issue going forward and I will be requesting that this process starts as soon as possible.”

In October 2014, the Echo reported that action was needed along the road after the council’s mobile speed device found vehicles travelling along the road by Grove Cottages at an average of 38mph.

Speaking about the results last year Ann Rutherford, of Brighouse Road Safety Committee, said: “This road is frightening.

“It desperately needs looking at. Drivers have no chance to slow down between 50mph and 30mph. There are even more cyclists on the road than ever now, especially along Elland Road. There is an accident waiting to happen.”

Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident involving Mr Brook and the lorry, which was travelling from Elland towards Brighouse.

Sergeant Carl Quinn, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET), said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this incident and would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision, the victim or HGV involved.”

Elland Road was closed for three hours for accident investigation works.

Any witnesses should contact the MCET on 101.