Campaign to cut road speed in Saddleworth after 'near misses'

Clare Grainger with her children, who has launched the campaign.

A Delph mum has launched a campaign to reduce the speed limit on Denshaw Road/Delph Road from national speed limit to 40mph after witnessing several near misses in only a few months.

Clare Grainger believes the road would be safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists if the speed was reduced, particularly as there is no safe place to cross close the bend near West View – where schoolchildren use the bus stop daily.

Claire told the Chronicle:  “I’ve seen near misses and pets killed, so other residents must have witnessed lots of dangerous driving over the years. It’s a longstanding issue that many people are worried about.

“Because of the bend in the road, high walls, and lack of pavement on one side, it’s very tricky to see the cars, and terrifying trying to cross with young children.

“I understand Highways England might be reviewing it soon, so it could be our chance to have a say on how the speed affects us, and make it safer for everyone.”

Local councillor Pam Byrne said the speed limit should be re-assessed: “Many things have changed since that speed limit was put in place and we should re-examine when circumstances change. There are more people living in that area than there used to be.”

The campaign follows a petition for speed cameras and signs displaying ‘Drive like your kids live here’ in Denshaw, and a successful battle to reduce the speeds through Dobcross to 20mph.  Claire says she hopes for similar success.

“There seems to be a mental trigger that makes some drivers go as fast as they can when they see ‘national speed limit’, and sometimes overtake or drive aggressively if the cars in front are slower.

“Most people do abide by the laws, and if the road was slower, it would make us feel safer,” she added. 

“At 40mph, it gives pedestrians and people pulling out of side roads that bit longer to make a decision, and more chance for drivers to see them. I think authorities can say these things depend on the number of crashes, but there have already been fatalities on the road – and who wants their child to be the next victim?”

The petition can be found here.

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