Ex-detective’s danger road plea

A FORMER Oldham detective has demanded more safety measures on the A62 through Saddleworth, already named as the sixth most dangerous road in the UK.

Alan Tunnicliffe, of Stanedge, says the bend near the Globe Farm is highly dangerous and more safety chevrons need to be installed as well as a replacement metal barrier.

He said: “I have mentioned to Oldham Council several times the need for more safety measures but so far have not got very far.

Last year it was revealed that over a five year period on the road between Scouthead and the Huddersfield boundary there had been 76 casualties including five deaths, 14 serious injuries and 57 people had suffered minor injuries.

In 2005, it was revealed that the A62 was bucking the national trend which has seen roads becoming generally safer. Figures from the AA, showed that between 2001 and 2003, the number of fatal or serious collisions put it among the country’s worst roads.

Saddleworth residents have previously complained of a series of problems not being dealt with including roaming sheep, surface water and a lack of warning signs or gritting.

And local people point to the straight stretches where cars build up speed followed by a series of sharp bends.

Tony Noblet, service director Highways and Operational Services, said a safety scheme had already been prepared for the A62 and will be coming into effect soon.