A Bolton MP has spoken out following a series of crashes on a major Bolton road being ‘used as a race track’.

A five-car crash took place on St Helens Road on Monday, July 22, following a police chase. The incident occurred just metres away from another crash which happened one month earlier, killing local grandmother and retired nurse Karen Kimblin.

Local residents have been in uproar about road safety following the incidents.

Just days earlier, on Wednesday, July 17, newly-elected Bolton MP Phil Brickell sent letters to Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Bolton Police Chief Inspector Justine Topping outlining his concerns.

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In the letters, seen by The Bolton News, the MP says that the road ‘is in clear need of intervention’, adding that ‘drivers do not observe the speed limit of 30mph on the stretch [of] St Helens Road where it is applicable’.

He refers to incidents in 2013, 2016, and 2021, as well as the death of Karen Kimblin, in his letter.

Mr Brickell says he is in agreement with Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi, as well as local councillors and local residents, about the need for speed cameras on the road in the section between Adelaide Street and Hulton Lane.

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Following the latest crash Mr Brickell has again spoken out.

The Bolton West MP said: “‘We saw another serious incident on St Helens Road that has seen far too many.

“Action is needed – we cannot go on like this.

“Alongside local councillors and Yasmin Qureshi we are working hard to push for speed cameras.

“The councillors visited the site yesterday, before the crash happened, to explore solutions with council officers.

“I have written to the police, council and the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester to highlight the need for speed cameras and a full examination of the road layout and traffic light sequence.

“I am working closely with the local councillors and my colleague Yasmin Qureshi to press the relevant authorities to take that decisive action.”

On X (formerly Twitter), the MP added: “Using the road as a race track is not acceptable and must stop. I have asked the police to seriously consider speed cameras at key points on the road to deter dangerous drivers.

“We must act before a further life-changing incident occurs.”

Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi said: “I was dismayed to learn of yet another incident on St. Helen's Road.

“This has been an issue for far too long and it needs to be addressed.

“It requires a multi-agency approach and I am working with the local community, Phil Brickell, the MP for Bolton West, the Police, the Council, Councillors and the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester to find a solution to prevent future incidents.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.