Police purge on speeding drivers

Patrols from GMP’s special road police unit were stationed at strategic points in Greenfield to monitor potential speedsters after complaints from householders.

An intense series of spot checks has taken place in a police crackdown on speeding motorists on one of Saddleworth’s most notorious roads.

Patrols from GMP’s special road-policing unit were stationed at strategic points in Greenfield to monitor potential speedsters after complaints from householders.

Members of the 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association had expressed concerns about speeding affecting Manchester Road and traffic heading into the village on the A635 road from Holmfirth.

The A635 was in the spotlight last year after more than 13 accidents in a couple of months raised fears over safety.

Since then, Oldham Council has invested more than £300,000 in repairing the road, clearing blocked drains and installing new signage from the Yorkshire boundary to The Clarence Hotel at the gateway to the village.

But locals complained to the GGRA that traffic heading through the village at excessive speed was causing danger to children and pedestrians.

One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Drivers coming down the Holmfirth road think they are on a race track.

“There have been numerous bumps in the area and the speedsters do put people at terrible risk.”

GMP Sergeant Craig Johnson, officer for the Saddleworth and Lees Township, ordered the police crackdown.

He said: “We are proud to respond and work with the community on tackling these problems. We listen to what the residents say and, wherever possible, act in everyone’s best interests to achieve results.

“We met the GGRA’s concerns about the speed of motorists on the A635 Manchester Road at Greenfield and our road policing unit have monitored the situation.

“ They visited the area on three separate occasions,” he said. “Of the 650 vehicles checked, only eight were over the 30 mph speed limit, with speeds between 39 and 41 mph.

“However, we will continue to carry out checks as and when we deem appropriate. The physical presence of a police vehicle often acts as a deterrent to speeding.”

Mike Rooke, the GGRA’s secretary, said: “We welcome anything that draws attention to the excessive speed of motorists through Greenfield village.

“Residents on Manchester Road are heartily sick of those drivers creating such dangers, particularly to children and pedestrians.

“The more culprits found now will deter future drivers from doing the same,” he added.

Oldham highways officer Tony Noblet said: “We have invested a large sum on the A635 and so far things seem to be working.”