Large backing for anti-speed petition
HUNDREDS of residents have signed a petition calling for action against “dangerous” speeding in parts of Haslingden and Helmshore.
The petition statement, by Samara Barnes, addressed to Lancashire County Council (LCC), has gained more than 770 signatures this week.
It reads: “We, the residents of Haslingden and Helmshore, are concerned about the significantly high number of cars speeding on Manchester Road, Helmshore Road, Haslingden Old Road, Broadway and Holcombe Road on a daily basis.
“These cars that are driving at dangerous speeds through our town and village are a danger to pedestrians and other road users alike. We ask that traffic calming measures are applied in these hotspots and that we are taken seriously by the police when we report such issues. This needs to be dealt with now as a preventive measure and not wait until something tragic happens.”
Samara said: “It should be difficult to ignore the voices of close to 800 people. We care about our community and the safety of those who live here. We don’t want a tragedy to happen before something gets done.”
Resident Clare Rix said lockdown has “without doubt” exacerbated the ongoing problem of dangerous driving across the Valley. “Our roads have become a race track and little, if anything, has been done to stop dangerous drivers,” she said.
Haslingden councillor Granville Morris said he “fully sympathised” with the residents’ concerns.
He said the frequent response of placing smiley or sad face speed awareness equipment was inappropriate for “idiot drivers”, adding: “These people who plan these strategies of trying to reduce the vehicles from speeding, should get real.
“The only way to stop this is to hit these individuals where it hurts. With fines and confiscation of their vehicles.”
Inspector David Clarke said Rossendale Police play a significant role in speed enforcement and reducing road casualties.
He added: “We will continue to play our part in this across Lancashire and this of course includes Haslingden and Helmshore. Where requests are made directly to the local team we will act where it is possible and appropriate and have indeed acted on numerous sites recently.”
He encouraged anyone with concerns around speeding to report these via the lancsroadsafety. co.uk website.
LCC say they work with the police to assess locations and consider appropriate measures.
A spokesman said: “The sites mentioned do not have a record of high numbers of incidents resulting in injury which would make them a priority for physical measures, however Helmshore Road, Haslingden Old Road and Holcombe Road are on our rota of sites where we deploy speed indicator signs to remind drivers of the speed limit.
“In response to the concerns raised we will review our information about these sites and carry out any further assessments which may be needed.” The petition is at change. org and search for ‘Traffic calming measures in Haslingden & Helmshore’.