Bolton: Wigan Road/Deane Road to be assessed for calming measures

An area of Wigan Road/Dean Road in Bolton is due to be checked after a series of serious incidents, including three in the last three months, according to Rumworth councillors.

The particular focus of the campaign is the stretch between Deane Church Lane and Bankfield Street.

Investigations into incidents on the road by councillors have found that there have been 11 collisions resulting in 12 casualties in the past three years.

Of these, two resulted in minor injuries involving cyclists, but two were serious incidents involving cyclists, and two more were deemed serious and involved pedestrians.

READ MORE: Green light to improve 'problem junction' after 4-year-campaign

All the councillors are agreed that the main reason for the incidents is motorists driving in excess of the speed limit in the area.

Although there have been no decisions as to what measures will be put in place, if at all, talks have begun between the councillors, the local authority's highways department, Transport for Greater Manchester, following consultations with the community.

And according to Cllrs Ayyub Patel and Shamim Abdullah, “some initial plans” are being formulated by the highways department.

READ MORE: Crossing being considered for upgraded traffic calming measures after 'near misses'

Ideally, all three councillors agree that a fixed speed camera would be ideal for the area.

Cllr Abdul Atcha on Wigan Road/Deane Road (Image: Cllr Abdul Atcha)

Cllr Abdul Atcha has started an online petition to reinforce this argument, calling on residents to “urgently support” the campaign to have such a camera installed.

“There have been too many serious accidents in recent years with far too many casualties,” he said.

“Over the last three months alone, three serious accidents occurred opposite Haslam Park.

“This area is busy with pedestrians of all ages as it is a location for Haslam Park Primary School, a popular playing area in the park, many shops and eateries and houses.”

Cllr Patel added: “Cllr Shamim Abdullah and I have had videos sent to us from residents where there have been serious collisions on this stretch of road.

READ MORE: Two men taken to hospital after four-car crash on Wigan Road

“The latest accident saw a vehicle flipped onto its side.

“We need to implement changes to slow the speed of vehicles traveling down Wigan Road, reducing accidents and making the road safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.”

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