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Traffic and Transport

Farnley Tyas has experienced traffic levels which have steadily increased over the last ten years. There are two main reasons for this increase. Firstly, there has been an increase in housing in the surrounding area around the Village which has resulted in increased volumes of traffic, particularly commuter traffic. Secondly, as more commuters make their way into Huddersfield, the two southern routes into Huddersfield ring road suffer long queues and delays. Commuters seek out quicker routes and that leads them to taking country roads, some of which come through Farnley Tyas. In our Village survey, 62% answered that they would like levels of traffic reduced. There are further concerns that this will worsen when the new retirement complex and further student accommodation are built at Storthes Hall.

The speed limit through the Village is 30mph. In the survey 94% thought that the speed of traffic was a safety concern and 88% supported the idea of the introduction of some form of traffic calming measures to reduce traffic speed. The most favoured solutions in order of popularity were; flashing slow-down warning signs, 20mph speed limit, re-positioned 30mph signs a greater distance from the Village, sympathetic speed humps and mini roundabouts.

The Village has four roads entering the Village and which meet in the centre.

Butts Road brings traffic from the south from the direction of the Villages of Thurstonland, Stocksmoor and Brockholes, which passes the recreation ground, children’s playground, school and the Church. There are safety concerns regarding traffic passing places which are frequented by children. The sharp bend at the recreation ground is poorly signposted and in winter suffers from extensive surface water, believed to be coming from inadequate drainage in the recreation
ground. Traffic frequently speeds dangerously around the corner. Users of the recreation ground and children’s play area have to cross at this point as the only footpath is on the opposite side of the road.

The junction outside the school has poor sight lines for vehicles travelling along Butts Road. Parking is a problem outside the school and Church at times of drop off, collection from school and Church services and disrupts movement of vehicles. In the survey 52% thought parking is a problem and 37% answered that they would like a public car park in the Village particularly to help in this location.

Now Farnley Road brings traffic from the south from the direction of Thurstonland, Stocksmoor, Kirkburton and Highburton. As it enters the Village the road narrows to less than two cars width at a blind bend at the junction with Manor Road. This is a bus route and buses

have to move into the middle of the road to negotiate the bend. This can be exacerbated by parked vehicles outside New Lane Terrace, which forces vehicles onto the wrong side of the road.

Woodsome Road brings traffic from the east, from the direction of Kirkburton, Highburton, Lepton and Huddersfield. In the centre of the Village, traffic speeds round the sharp bend outside the Golden Cock public house and safety is an added concern as there are two bus stops located on the bend.

Honley Road brings traffic from the north and west from the direction of Honley, Almondbury and Huddersfield.  Traffic speed is a particular concern on this route as it passes the school as it enters the Village. A survey was undertaken in March 2006 by Kirklees Council Road Safety Team at the request of the school. Results taken at morning and evening peak times indicated that 45% of vehicles were breaking the 30mph speed limit.

In summary, a solution is needed for the Village, which utilises a review of signage, a reduction of the speed limit and some sympathetic traffic claming measures.

Some further comments from the questionnaire:
 

• The farms were never employers of Villagers – they were mostly one-man tenant farmers.
• Do not wish to see workshops in this Village as they would cause even more traffic.
• Professional office space causes too much traffic.

Bus Services

The bus services, which serve the Village, are the 341, 911 and school buses K82 and K85.

Some particular comments made in the survey were:

• Services are important for school children and teenagers
• Re-site the bus stops
• Consider a bus route down Woodsome Road
• A bus stop at Butts Close would be helpful. I have back problems and it is too far to walk particularly with shopping
• Buses are essential for old people.
• There are a lot of old people in Butts Close, the stops are too far away.

Traffic and Transport Action Plan

The following topic's have been raised as action points for the community plan.

Road Safety

To improve road safety for children and Villagers by:-

• Reduce speeding in Village by research into traffic management measures
• Review re-location of traffic signage
• Review speed limit in Village

Traffic Volume Reduction

• Raise awareness of volume of traffic with the Parish Council
• Obtain results of a 2006 survey and review with a possibility of repeating the survey

Parking

• Investigate parking issues in particular areas of Village
• Investigate the best solution for the Village for school, Church, walkers and football clubs

Public Transport

• Improve bus services for the Village
• Investigate ways of providing transport services for elderly Villagers

Public Highway Footpaths

• Maintain & refurbish existing footpaths and adjacent walls
• Provide new footpaths for safety of Villagers