Safety camera green light on danger road

DANGER stretch . . . traffic on this section of Lees Road will be monitored by speed cameras

SPEED cameras are to be installed at a notorious accident blackspot which has claimed nine lives in 11 years.

Following a groundswell of public concern over a spate of smashes, road safety chiefs have confirmed they will erect cameras on Lees Road — between Clarksfield and Lees.

It’s not yet known when they will be installed but more traffic calming measures, such as central islands, could follow.

While speed cameras remain a controversial option for many motorists who view them as a cash cow for the Government, council chiefs stress the safety of the public is the top priority.

Highways officers completed a detailed investigation into the busy road following the death of 15-year-old Chris Dale, who was hit by a car on June 13, close to the junction with Wellyhole Street.

Their report examined past collisions and instances of vehicles failing to give way at the junction.

The findings showed that the number of accidents and traffic speeds have fallen significantly in recent years but new measures should be considered.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas had fired off letters to Oldham Council and road safety groups calling for improved safety measures.

He has now received a letter from Drivesafe, the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership, confirming that the council’s request for the cameras has been successful.

Project manager Mike Downes said every effort would be made to have them up and running at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Woolas added: “I’m very satisfied they have acted on my concerns. This announcement will save lives and stop the pain and suffering of families.

“I want to pay tribute to Oldham Youth Council (who campaigned for safety measures). Sometimes it takes young people to tell the rest of us what’s important.

“The idea that speed cameras exist as a surrogate tax is nothing more than bar room gossip. Speed cameras are proven to save lives.”

One of the road’s worst fatalities took place in December, 2003, when 16-year-old pals and budding footballers Christian Leyden and Anthony Hughes died after the car they were travelling in was hit at the bottom of Wellyhole Street. There have been numerous non-fatal accidents this year.

Councillor Mark Alcock said: “I know some people have reservations about these cameras, but the emphasis here is on accident prevention.

“Speed cameras were part of a package of measures which our report outlined last month.

“We are still looking at providing additional central islands, which would control the path of vehicles and offer better crossing facilities for pedestrians.”