Two ‘hazardous and winding’ roads in Wigan are set to see speed limits slashed by a third

Wigan Council said that, after concerns were raised by local residents, it intends to make the entire length of Tuckers Hill Brow and Meadow Pit Lane, Haigh into a 40mph limit.

Tuckers Hill Brow is currently de-restricted, so is governed by the national speed limit of 60mph.

At its eastern end, just as the route enters Little Scotland, the speed limit reduces to 30mph prior to the road entering a residential area.

At its northern end, on Riley Lane/Meadow Pit Lane, the speed limit was recently reduced by the council from 60mph to 40mph, in response to a number of fatal road accidents over a short period of time.

A council “statement of reasons” document said: “Tuckers Hill Brow is rural in nature and has many sharp bends along its route, with numerous chevron signs put in place over the years in a bid to help warn drivers of the dangers.

“Nevertheless, damage only accidents are still persistently occurring at these bends, although the police road casualty database shows that there have been no reported injury accidents occurring there.

“In addition, this route has no footway provision along its entire length.”

The council said a speed survey was carried out in March, which showed an average vehicle speed of 34mph.

Department for Transport guidance on speed limit review advises that a reduction in speed limit should be considered where the average vehicle speed is more than 10mph below the posted speed limit, or where the average vehicle speed on a 60mph road is below 50mph.

The council said the speed survey results indicate that Tuckers Hill Brow meets both of these criteria.

The report added: “Consequently, the council is now minded to promote a speed limit reduction to 40mph, which is also supported by GMP.

“The proposed speed limit of 40mph on Tuckers Hill Brow and Meadow Pit Lane will rationalise the speed limits locally on these rural roads, and will help to improve road safety on these hazardous winding roads.”

The proposals have been welcomed by ward councillor Chris Ready, who said: "We have been campaigning for this reduction for some time and are pleased that residents now have the opportunity to formally share their views.

"Meadow Pit Lane and Tuckers Hill Brow are winding roads with challenging corners, and many residents have told us they feel the current 60mph limit is too high for the conditions. This consultation is an important opportunity for the community to have its say."

Coun Laura Flynn added: "The safety of residents, pedestrians and all road users must be our priority. This section of road stands out as an anomaly between existing 40mph and 30mph limits nearby.

"We would encourage everyone who uses the road, whether they support or oppose the proposal, to take part in the consultation so that their views can be considered."

Any views on the changes must be made in writing to the council, specifying the grounds, by June 30.

Email [email protected], with reference RD/LS/LG/16311376/SPEED.