20mph zone plan speeds ahead

OLDHAM’S residential roads could soon have a default 20mph limit.

Odham Council last night unanimously voted to investigate the feasibility of the change.

Liberal Democrat councillors John McCann and Diane Williamson raised the issue, reported on the front page of Tuesday’s Chronicle, citing the dangers for pedestrians.

An average 154 children were involved in accidents in Oldham each year between 2006-2008 - 18 of whom were killed or seriously injured.

In 2012, 464 people were injured on Oldham roads. Three died and 49 were seriously injured.

Councillor McCann said: “As a driver I know it is difficult to make the mental jump needed when moving from travelling at high speed on a motorway to driving at an appropriate speed in a residential area.

“It can take a while for the brain to catch up - but it poses a danger to Oldham’s children.

“I think we need to take advantage of these new government guidelines from the department of transport and look into reducing speed limits in Oldham to 20mph.”