Darnall set for road safety improvements as part of £1.45 billion scheme after series of major collisions
"Too many people feel unsafe simply walking along our streets"
Politicians in a Sheffield neighbourhood hit by a series of major crashes have celebrated news that part of a £1.45 billion road safety budget will be spent in their area.
On June 4, 2024, Abdulla Yaser Abdullah Taleb died when a car mounted the pavement on Staniforth Road and collided with him.
The teenager is one of a number of people who have been injured on the streets of Darnall area over recent years, including 16-month-old Muhammed Usman bin Adnan who died alongside his father and two family friends in a crash on Banham Road - just off Main Road - in 2018.
After numerous campaigns to improve safety in the area, the Government has now assigned a pot of money to tackle the issue, with hopes of putting a stop to the repeated collisions.
“We have been pushing for this investment for quite some time, and it is great to finally have confirmation Darnall will be getting road safety improvements it needs and deserves,” Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts said.
“Obviously, there are concerns with Staniforth Road and Darnall Road which are priorities, but we also want to see what work can be done on Prince of Wales and the improvements to pedestrian access to the centre of Darnall.”
The new funding comes as part of the Government’s £1.45 billion ‘Transport for City Region’ grant.
Funds were delivered to South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) who have then selected areas across the region in need of road safety improvements.
Local councillors Mary Lea and Zahira Naz added: “Residents regularly raise concerns with us about speeding and dangerous driving on Darnall Road, Staniforth Road and Main Road. Too many people feel unsafe simply walking along our streets, particularly women, children and older residents.
“We have seen the impact that speeding vehicles can have on our community, and this investment is an important opportunity to make our roads safer for everyone. We want local people to help shape these improvements because they know better than anyone where the problems are and what changes will make the biggest difference.
“Everyone should be able to walk to school, visit local shops or travel around Darnall without feeling worried about their safety.”