‘Axe yellow lines to curb speeders’
ACAMPAIGNER is calling on Rochdale Borough Council to remove double yellow lines she claims are helping drivers to speed.
Rochdale Liberal Democrat Rabina Asghar says that residents who live on Edenfield Road, Spotland, are unable to park their cars, and that the clear stretch of road has also led to problems speeding.
The double yellow lines have been in place for several years.
She says that parking on the road had had the effect of slowing traffic down.
According to Crashmap data, which collates information from the Department for Transport, there have been seven crashes on the road since 2016.
Rabina said: “I was speaking to the local residents and quite a few said they have all complained about the lines.
“It’s a nuisance to them because they can’t park, and it’s causing problems with accidents and speeding because it’s a clear road.
“They’ve been there for quite a while and residents want them removed.”
Rabina added: “They have to use the side streets and other residents’ parking spaces. They have been told verbally by the council that they can use the Cutgate precinct car park.
“Some residents do park there.
“Removing the double yellow lines would increase safety.
“There has been a lot of speeding - all across the borough speeding is an issue. I live in Spotland myself in walking distance of this road.”
Coun Rachel Massey, who represents Spotland and Falinge, said: “Waiting restrictions were introduced here because motorists were parking in such a manner as to force pedestrians and vulnerable residents, like wheelchair users and people with children in prams, to step into the road to pass. The restrictions have also improved visibility at the junctions.
“Concerns about speeding have been raised across Spotland and Falinge, and ward councillors are working with the police, who have been conducting enforcement here, as part of wider speed reduction activity.
“Dealing with speeding remains a priority and we will continue to work with the police to tackle this issue.”
A spokesperson for the council said: “There are no plans to amend the waiting restrictions on Edenfield Road because the road isn’t wide enough to accommodate parking on both sides.
“We don’t have any evidence to suggest vehicle speeds have increased since these waiting restrictions were introduced. Any concerns about speeding should be reported to the police.”