Sheffield is to receive nearly £1.5 million to improve road safety along the A625, between the A61 in Sheffield and the B6375 near Whirlow.

The funding has come from the Department of Transport.

This additional funding will help the council deliver on the wide-ranging work already being undertaken to make the city’s roads safer.

Speaking about the announcement Cllr Julie Grocutt, Deputy Leader of the Council and Transport Committee Co-Chair said:

“This additional funding is greatly welcome, though it still needs to be put in the context of huge budgetary cuts to local road safety funds we have endured since 2010. It goes nowhere near making up for that.

“£1.5 million is of course a lot of money, though last year alone Labour councillors prioritised an additional £4 million in council funds for road safety schemes. And this is just a drop in what funds we had for road safety intervention compared with a decade ago.

“Despite the financial challenges I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do and there is loads happening across our streets and neighbourhoods, and at the heart of our decision process is Sheffield residents. It’s our aim to make our roads safer and more accessible for all.

“We have introduced 20 mph speed limits, ‘school streets, and new crossings in many residential neighbourhoods, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver these measures across the city.

Welcoming the news, Lisa Markham (Labour candidate for Ecclesall) said:

“This is really good news, and will help address the dangerous hotspots on Ecclesall road, our main thoroughfare and other roads where incidents have occurred.

“The council is doing some great work in applying safety interventions but a lot more needs to be done. Ecclesall residents want to see more safe crossings and safer roads and if elected in May I’ll do everything I can to deliver this.”

Lewis Dagnall, (Labour Candidate for Broomhill and Sharrow ward) said:

“Labour has for many years prioritised road safety and committed to a ‘Zero Vision’ – meaning that as a city, by 2050 we are aiming for zero killed or zero seriously injured on our roads. This is a bold vision, and a big target, which could be monumental for Sheffield.

“This is being delivered through the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, and if elected I will do everything I can to support this crucial work.”