Calls for average speed cameras to address scourge of speeding and dangerous driving

Calls have been made for the introduction of average speed cameras on some Bolton roads to combat speeding and dangerous driving.

Suggestions have been made that Blackburn Road, from the border with Darwen to its junction with Crompton Way would be suitable for average speed monitoring. At a full council meeting last week, Bromley Cross councillor Amy Cowan said some main routes in Bolton should ‘mimic’ a scheme introduced in Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire in 2017 which runs on the A675 between the M65 at junction 3 and the border of Bolton borough at Scout Road.

That route imposes average speeds of 50mph on rural sections and 30mph through Belmont village. Coun Cowan, said: “Road traffic accidents, speeding and general dangerous driving affect the whole of the borough.

“In my ward and across the borough we are seeing more and more road traffic accidents, often as a result of speeding, aggressive driving and drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. “Do we have any plans for the introduction of average speed cameras along the more dangerous stretches of road?

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“For example would it be possible to mimic the system in place through Belmont to the M65 junction from say Bull Hill or the border with Blackburn with Darwen through Blackburn Road down to the junction with Crompton Way.

“There are also many other stretches of road which would benefit from this.”

Replying to the question, cabinet member Coun Adele Warren, said the possibility of average speed cameras in Bolton was being talked about.

She said: “For average speed cameras there is a project being considered for Greater Manchester safety camera upgrades. Part of this will consider