‘It will make a complete mess of our historic high street’: Traffic measures slammed

A plan to make streets in Saddleworth safer has been branded “pointless” by residents, who say it will “make a total mess of the historic high street”. 

The plans, designed by Oldham Council’s highways department, will make a recently trialled 20 mph zone along Uppermill High Street permanent.

They will also introduce ten speed bumps and six ‘ghost painted cushions’ – parts of the road that are painted to look like speed bumps but are not raised. 

Local councillor Helen Bishop acknowledged it was ‘important to get the message across to people to drive carefully and slowly through the village centre’.

But current plans have left many residents sceptical. 

A major concern is that speed bumps will mess with the historic character and traditions of the area.

Uppermill is famous for its Whit Friday brass band march and a number of other local traditions that make use of the high street. 

But it is claimed the new plans could jeopardise the smooth-running of these community events, according to one resident. 
On a social media post calling for responses to the plans, Karl commented: “OMBC do not understand historic Saddleworth.

"We do not need these speed bumps.

"It’ll make a total mess of the historic high street and impair the procession for band contest, Rushcart, Yanks, Santa Dash etc.” 

Another resident, Frank, added: “Pointless Plan. You have to feel sorry for the patients and ambulances having to negotiate these obstacles, just because certain drivers ignore the speed limits.” 

Others expressed frustration over the speed bumps, asking for the council to put up cameras instead to enforce the 20 mph limit on those who weren’t respecting the new rules. 

Coun Bishop is urging residents to register their comments with the council by September 27. 

Bishop said: “I really want people to submit their comments.

"Because if I turn around and say ‘no one’s happy with the speed bumps’ [the council] can just say ‘well, no one’s objected’.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to find a happy medium.”

The measures will be rolled out along High Street with the 20 mph zone made permanent in many of the adjoining streets including Bridge St; Moorgate St; Court St; Smithy Lane; New Lane; Wade Row; Hopkinson Close; Tame St; Church St and Chapel St. 

They are being put in place after a number of complaints about dangerous driving in the area.

Councillor Bishop is particularly concerned about irresponsible drivers at night, when residents are leaving local pubs and restaurants and stepping into the road. 

Councillor Chris Goodwin, whose portfolio covers Highways, said: “The safety of our residents and all road users is a priority for the council. 

"Over recent years we have been contacted by a number of people concerned about the speed vehicles are travelling at in parts of Uppermill.

“We’ve listened to them and that’s why we are proposing a permanent 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures.

"The scheme extends along the walking route between Uppermill and Saddleworth School, helping to keep pupils safe.

“A temporary speed limit of 20mph already exists in parts of Uppermill and our monitoring has found it’s helped cut average speeds, although not to the extent we would expect, which is why we are looking at physical measures.

“At this stage our plans are just proposals.

"We’ve consulted with local councillors and now we’d welcome residents’ views on them.”

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