1 week Ago
New cameras, data gathering and bus lanes shortening along roads notorious for crashes and accidents have been confirmed by town hall. Earlier this month, council officials said they would be shortening the bus lanes along St Helens Road and Derby Street in response to a series of crashes, some serious or even fatal. This has now been discussed at a full meeting of the council, with other new measures to tackle speeding and dangerous driving also trailed.
Cllr Abdul Atcha, who represents Rumworth, said: “There is a concerning issue of road traffic accidents occurring at St Helens Road and Derby Street. “Residents have complained about drivers not using the bus lane correctly when trying to turn into the supermarket on St Helens Road. St Helens Road has become notorious for crashes (Image: Phil Taylor) “The bus lane creates confusion and congestion, particularly for drivers coming from Bolton town centre and needing to make a right turn into the ASDA supermarket car park.
“Is there a possibility of implementing changes to improve the flow of traffic in this busy area and prevent accidents?” In June this year, grandmother Karen Kimblin was killed in a crash on St Helens Road, while another crash took place on the same stretch of road on Monday, July 22. Towards the end of July, the council confirmed that it had secured “safer roads funding” to help improve safety around St Helens Road in particular. Now council cabinet member for transport, housing and highways Cllr Hamid Khurram, has said that several new measures will be brought in.
He said: “I share the concerns of the ward councillor and residents over road safety on St Helens Road and Derby Street and confirm that I have been working with officers to investigate what intervention can be employed. ALSO READ: 'Safer roads funding' granted for notorious crash plagued route ALSO READ: Calls for action intensify after multi-vehicle crash on notorious road ALSO READ: Four people taken to hospital and road shut after 2-car crash “Following a site meeting and subsequent discussions I can confirm that highways have reviewed all the bus lanes and do intend to reduce the length of bus lanes at the location you mention opposite to the entrance to Asda.” Cllr Khurram said that a plan was also been drawn up for how to use the safer roads funding, which would include further cameras and data gathering measures.
He said that the cameras would assess safety records and “near misses” as well as keeping a database on red light running and speeding to share with Greater Manchester Police. Cllr Khurram said that project data would eventually be able to be shared with the community..
