Wakefield Council takes action to improve road safety on Westfield Lane, Pontefract during A1 roadworks and to support local businesses

Wakefield Council is temporarily closing a local lane near Pontefract to vehicles over safety concerns from drivers using Westfield Lane as a rat-run during the roadworks by National Highways on the A1.

The full closure is a result of drivers ignoring the National Highways advice to remain on the A1.

The one-way route at Westfield Lane was set up as an emergency measure to manage the huge amount of traffic coming off the UK’s longest numbered road, due to National Highways road works at Wentbridge.

The Council has been closely monitoring the situation. And has found that drivers are blatantly ignoring the one-way system, causing safety concerns. After talking to local people, the Council is to close the lane and install lockable bollards next week. The barriers will stay in place until the A1 work has been complete - currently expected to be in August. 

Gary Blenkinsop, Service Director for Environment, Street Scene and Climate Change, said: “We’re taking this action because of the behaviour of those drivers who are ignoring the advice then people are being put at risk by drivers refusing to follow the temporary one-way system.

“We know the one-way measure made it difficult for residents and businesses, who are also acutely aware of the risk drivers are causing. After talking to local people this week, they acknowledge that this latest action is needed.

“Unfortunately, the National Highways work on the A1 is causing significant safety and congestion issues on local roads. Drivers are choosing to exit the A1 and turning roads like Westfield Lane into rat runs. The sheer volume and type of traffic on this local lane is unacceptable. Our prime concern is the safety risk, and we are also seeing major damage caused to the road.”

The measures are set to be put in place next week.

Local businesses will be issued with keys for the retractable bollards - to enable them access to carry out the tasks needed to run their business. 

Residents using vehicles for non-business use, will not be able to use the lane. A new diversion route for drivers will be put in place at Moor Lane. This decision has been made because of the actions of some drivers on Westfield Lane.

Cyclists, pedestrians and horses will be able to continue to use Westfield Lane as usual.