The Greater Manchester road where locals 'live in fear' after two people died
19.03.2024 - 08:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 20mph zone will be introduced on a “lethal” road in Oldham following the tragic deaths of two cyclists. Stamford Road in Lees is due to receive a new speed limit and a number of traffic calming measures to reduce the risk of further accidents.
The major thoroughfare, which connects two main roads between Saddleworth and Oldham Town Centre, has long been described as "scary" and a “nightmare junction” by members of the community because of frequent speeding and dangerous driving.
Local councillor Mark Kenyon, who helped campaign for the new safety measures, said: “Since two recent deaths at the junction with Huddersfield Road, we’ve been trying to get something done. We’ve managed to address the speed across the whole road, which is a real result for the people of Grotton, Springhead and Lees.”
The road first became the scene of a tragedy in 2020, when the death of 64-year-old cyclist Philip John Horsfall as a result of a collision with a van shook local residents.
Only a year later, 43-year-old mother Louise Harrott was struck by a Range Rover, suffering fatal injuries and leaving behind a 17-year-old son and a devastated mother. The driver, Patricia Golden, was later found guilty of careless driving.
Kenyon said: “What’s really upsetting is that those two deaths were utterly preventable. People always say it’s an accident waiting to happen - this is why it’s so important to act now. Two deaths are two too many.
“Hopefully doing this now will prevent further tragedy in the future.”
The traffic calming measures were possible after Transport for Greater Manchester released funding to investigate the site.
The new road rules, approved at a Traffic Regulation Order Panel on March 14, will introduce an upper limit