Saddleworth councillor calls for permanent 20mph restrictions

Councillor Garth Harkness is pictured in Delph

Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness has called for temporary 20mph speed restrictions to become permanent and more widespread.

Saddlewoth North councillor Harkness said: "Residents and community groups have raised concerns for a long time about speeding, and we have previously pushed for action around tractors, HGVs and speeding.

"We identified funding which can make 20mph speed limits permanent and more widespread, with some support for enforcement too.

“Across the borough it will save lives and prevent hundreds of injuries.

"I have been proud to support residents’ groups who have worked so hard to demonstrate local commitment to road safety.”

A number of temporary 20mph restrictions have been introduced in Saddleworth to help protect residents who need to step off the narrow pavements to maintain social distancing due to the Coronavirus

Councillor Harkness added: “In December I let residents know of the plans for 20mph temporary speed limits for Delph and Dobcross.

"I am delighted.

"In Saddleworth, this decision in principle will hopefully enable quicker progress to protect residents in all our villages, and permanently.

"I hear about speeding more than anything else.

"I know some councillors don’t support this, but persistence is paying off.

“Maybe it also reflects how recent months have brought home to us all how precious the lives and health of family and friends are to us.”

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