Speed curb urged after pet killed

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date online: 16 September 2009

A furious pub landlord is demanding a speed clampdown on a narrow country lane where a pet dog died in its owner’s arms after being struck by a car.

Shocked customers looked on as the terrier collapsed outside The Church Inn, Uppermill, where derestricted road signs have already caused outrage among locals.

The signs, erected just over a week ago, have been torn down in protest along with a sign pointing to the council cemetery. They stood at the Church Road, Church Lane, Gellfield Lane, Running Hill Gate junction.

But the dog’s death has ignited more fury from villagers who want a 20mph speed limit on country lanes in hamlets around Saddleworth.

Julian Taylor, father of four young children, owns the ancient inn on Church Lane, and captured the death of the pet on the pub’s CCTV.

He is urging the council to scrap the 60 mph limit and install speed humps and new signage warning of dangers.

He said: “I am still terribly angry by what happened. The dog owner had let his pet off the lead — lots of customers do. It’s a quiet spot.

“We have 24 wild peacocks, cats and dogs here, too. You never expect to have them run down by motorists.

“Our pub is on a backwater route and we encourage families to bring pets to share the countryside amenities.

“Everyone outside the pub heard the impact when the car hit the dog — but the vehicle did not stop and drove on.

“If the driver had hit a child, we would be holding a murder hunt now. As it is, I reported the incident to police.”

Mr Taylor added: “We need proper warning signs for motorists to take care — not signs allowing them to travel at speed.”

Saddleworth parish councillor Ken Hulme asked Oldham council to scrap the 60mph signs after they were installed on lanes leading off the A62 Oldham-Huddersfield Road.

He said: “I am sad to hear of the death of the pet dog, but relieved it wasn’t a child. I hope this loss will prompt an outbreak of common sense in the council. These roads need a signs saying ‘Single Track Lane — passing places’ or ‘Caution — Narrow Road.’

“Perhaps a few signs indicating tractors and horses use them would be appropriate, too. You see those on similar country lanes in other parts of Britain.

“The last thing we need are lots of derestricted signs. Oldham is treating Saddleworth as just another urban district in the borough — not appreciating we are a largely rural area and, of necessity, different rules should apply to traffic signs.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death and the road situation were being investigated.

Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, said the council was not encouraging drivers to increase speed, adding: “The Highway Code states speed limits are a maximum permissible upper limit — not a speed that has to be attained. Drivers should be aware of road conditions and drive accordingly.”