Yet another crash at Wigan accident hotspot sparks calls for action

Campaigners have called for action after yet another crash at an accident blackspot.

Residents have vowed enough is enough after the latest incident on Winstanley Road in Orrell.

It saw a car thought to be travelling more than 100mph smash and damage property and cars shortly before 11.15pm on Friday (April 16).

Shocking images show damage caused to a wall and cars while debris can be seen strewn everywhere.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the collision involved three vehicles and that a man, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Another man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a driving offence but was later “de-arrested”.

The road was closed while recovery of the vehicles took place.

The incident is the latest of a number of smashes on the busy residential road which is used by scores of pupils attending nearby Winstanley College.

Worried locals said motorists often go above the speed limit and now fear it is only a matter of time before there is a fatal accident.

People living there want to see pro-active measures taken by the police and council to deter speeding as well as tougher enforcement.

Orrell ward coun Michael Winstanley who has received complaints from residents, said the problem was becoming worse.

Coun Winstanley said: “I have been contacted by residents on Winstanley Road regarding the accident that took place on Friday night at 11pm.

“It sounded a very serious accident.

“This is an issue I have raised with the council many times over many years.

“The last few years the problem is becoming worse.”

In the past Coun Winstanley said residents have taken part in a Community Speed Watch initiative and that yellow warning posters have been put up.

Plans are also in place for a 30mph zone on the road but he said they are not imminent.

Now he said he has written to the council asking for more to be done.

He said: “This is a problem that has been on going for far too long. I am urging the council to look at what pro active measures can be put in place to deter speeding motorists.

“This also needs to be addressed by GMP from an enforcement perspective.

“Residents have done their bit as part of the deal, now the council need to respond. “

Mark Tilley, assistant director of infrastructure at Wigan Council said: “It is important that all motorists drive safely and act responsibly on the roads, adhering to speed limits and safety measures in place.

“We have always worked proactively with residents to improve and promote road safety through our community speed watch scheme, providing new driver education in local colleges and in the community as well as delivering Road Safety Road Show events across the borough, which we will look to offer again once Covid-19 restrictions allow.

“Though the council can support with road safety, it is the police who enforce speed limits and dangerous driving and we are in contact with our colleagues in GMP in relation to the recent accident.”

A GMP spokesman said: “We are aware that local residents are concerned about speeding offences in the area; which is understandable as speeding can increase the risk of collisions occurring, as well as affect the severity of those that do take place.

"Speed limits are in place to protect road users and pedestrians, and should always be adhered to. If you exceed the speed limit you are putting yourself and others in danger. The majority of drivers drive within the speed limits, and for that we thank them. However, GMP is committed to keeping our roads safe, so for those that are caught taking the risk, our officers will be taking the appropriate action."

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