Speeding in Wigan area 'rockets' during lockdown

Coun Lawrence Hunt says he is sick of seeing motorists tearing down roads such as Bridgeman Terrace and Mesnes Road at speeds of up to 60mph.

The limit for the roads is 30mph but he said motorists in high-powered vehicles have been travelling a lot faster than this.

He said some cars have been going so fast that he has heard car engines long before he sees them.

And with fewer cars on the roads during lockdown and police busy dealing with other things, Coun Hunt said motorists have been using the routes “like a race track.”

Coun Hunt, who represents Wigan Central, said: “Speeding of vehicles has gone through the roof during lockdown.

“This is in residential areas not just on main roads.

“The worrying thing is it’s not just young people but older ones in high-powered sports cars.

“Drivers are using Bridgeman Terrace up to Mesnes Road like it’s a race track.

“It’s unbelievable and you hear them before you see them.

“I do fear someone will get killed or seriously injured if something isn’t done.

Coun Hunt called for traffic calming measures and a mobile speed unit to deal with the problem.

He also said people had been taking advantage of the lack of police patrols on the roads.

He said: “These outlaws know they can get away with it as there’s no-one to stop them and police are taking their eye off the ball.

“Speeding is like anti-social behaviour and there’s been a massive increase in my ward.

“We need something to monitor speeds such as a mobile unit as Bridgeman Terrace and Mesnes Road are straight with no traffic calming measures.

“Motorists are even doubling their speed now in 20mph zones to 40.

“People who do 50 in a 30mph zone should be banned automatically and we need to see police taking action against them, so these reckless and unsafe drivers can be removed from our roads.”

Wigan Council said it has not received any specific complaints about speeding in Bridgeman Terrace.

But Mark Tilley, assistant director for infrastructure and regulatory services, said: “There are a number of initiatives we use to encourage motorists to drive safely, including our community speedwatch scheme and increased signage in the area.

“While there are fewer cars on the road, and as we look to increase sustainable travel, we would urge motorists to drive safely and consider the increase in pedestrians and cyclists.

“We will be looking at what we can do across the borough to promote road safety particularly as lockdown is eased.