Safety measures are being called for at a Rawdon junction after a tanker accident which residents say could have been devastating.

No-one was injured in the crash between the aviation fuel tanker and a car on Green Lane in June.

But local people are warning that it could have been very dangerous, and they say it highlights their concerns over plans to build 123 houses on the site of the Naylor Jennings factory.  They believe more consideration needs to be given to safety issues posed by the development and by the decision to have the entrance and exit to the site on the narrowest part of Green Lane.  Jennifer Kirkby, from WARD (Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development), said the June accident happened directly in front of the house, on Cricketers Green, of retired senior fire officer John Goupillot.

She said Mr Goupillot discovered the tanker was empty of fuel and could have posed a serious risk of explosion had it been ruptured.

“Burning fuel is obviously a serious condition but an explosion from an empty vessel containing fuel vapour can be an even greater hazard,” she said.

“In the opinion of Mr Goupillot local residents had been extremely fortunate in escaping what could have been a devastating accident.”

WARD representatives have met with Leeds City Council’s head of transport policy and are asking transport planners to prohibit the right turn from Harrogate Road onto Green Lane for a pilot period of at least one month for all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

They have asked for a proper evaluation to be carried out during this time, and they believe a permanent prohibition is necessary.

Jennifer said: “If the Naylor Jennings housing proposals are given the go-ahead WARD feels the above action will become an imperative in view of the inevitable increase in vehicle numbers on Green Lane.”

A council spokesman said they had received a request from Ward and were currently considering the issues raised by them, and would get back in touch with them in due course.