'Someone is going tobe killed or injured'

SPEEDING danger . . . Alice Marland and husband Trevor Marland at St Mary's Way

CONCERNED residents have branded speeding drivers "idiots" over fears someone will be killed.

Trevor Marland (77) and wife Alice Marland (76) are worried about children and older people crossing St Mary's Way to access Oldham town centre.

The couple, of adjoining Henshaw Street, have called for Oldham Council to put speed cameras in place to catch offenders.

Unity, who carry out road safety works on behalf of the council, said they were unaware of complaints from residents but have taken action to address them.

Idiots

Mr Marland said: "We need speed cameras set up to stop these idiots.

"Someone is going to be killed or badly injured.

"This has been going on for more than two months.

"Children and old people cross the dual carriageway to get to the market and if any of them got hit, they don't stand a chance."

The couple witness motorists coming up the hill from Rochdale Road, through the set of traffic lights at Tommyfield Pub and passed their house 500 metres further along.

Cars, motorbikes and quad bikes alike are seen "racing" along where a 30mph limit is in place.

Further concerns have been raised about the high levels of noise created by quad bikes being driven in St Mary's Way.

Mr Marland told the Chronicle: "It happens at all times of the day, but often early evening.

Racing

"If they put signs up at the bottom of St Mary's Way it might slow people down.

"There are two sets of lights and sometimes I think they are racing to get through."

Unity said that a number of road safety issues had previously been found on the same road, specifically at the Henshaw Street junction.

An improvement scheme, funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, was introduced at the junction and work was carried out during 2014 and 2015.

Gary Sutcliffe, team manager, said: "I am not aware of any complaints but we are fully aware of the issues and have taken action quite recently to address them.

"The work included improved pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction, additional lengths of guardrail and the provision of enhanced cycle facilities throughout.

"Since the additional safety measures were introduced there has been a decrease in accidents and an increase in overall road safety at the junction."

Reports showed that the number of accidents had reduced from seven between 2011 and 2013 to one between 2014 and 2016.

Accident

Mr Sutcliffe said: "The enforcement of speed limits is the responsibility of the police; however, where speed appears to be a contributory factor to a road safety issue, Unity will arrange speed surveys.

"Although the alleged speeding issue does not currently appear to be reflected in the injury accident record, I will certainly take on board the recent concerns and if necessary, arrange for additional speed surveys.

"I would consider it unlikely that St Mary's Way would satisfy the criteria for safety speed enforced cameras, which are managed by Drivesafe."