READERS have vented their anger at idiots using Bolton's roads as race tracks during the coronavirus lockdown.

Earlier this week The Bolton News reported a massive rise in the number of drivers breaking the speed limits with the roads being emptier due to the coronavirus crisis.

Since reporting the story, readers have been in touch in their droves to complain about the issue and to highlight some of the streets where the problem is most pronounced.

Commenting online, one reader said: "I have never seen so many idiots speeding and jumping red lights. Just park a police car at any large junction and watch the idiots roll up.

"Halliwell Road, Deane Road, Derby Street and don't forget Topp Way - dragster track."

Another reader got in touch to say Brownlow Way, Halliwell is a "permanent race track." The online user, who goes by the name treesergreen2019, said: "Put a camera on there and it would pay two police officers' weekly salaries."

Chrisa1 dubbed Chorley New Road a 'nightmare' and said the road is blighted with 'absolute lunatics' on motorbikes, off-road bikes and high-powered cars.

Wendy 782 also complained about problem drivers on Chorley New Road. She said: "Chorley New Road is full of speeding drivers at the moment.

"During the day you see an odd one but after 10pm they all seem to appear. I'm not sure what they are out doing that is 'essential' at 1am. Some must be doing at least 80. I live near a speed camera and they don't care."

Another online user highlighted an incident they were caught up in earlier in the week.

They said: "I was returning home from shopping (on) Monday evening and some knuckle dragger nearly ran me off the road.

"They were heading towards Bradford Street in a dark blue car. The car was going so fast it really shook me up. They then got up behind another driver and overtook them, before turning right into Bradford Street, all in one swift movement. There will be CCTV recording this nutter's movements and reg somewhere.

"Let's hope that he gets locked up before he causes a serious accident."

Jaste urged people to act responsibly. Commenting on the original story, they said: "What's it going to take for all the morons out there to stop and take the coronavirus lockdown seriously?

"People are already dying! Yes you're scared, we're all bloody scared but we have to act responsibly. It could be a member of your own family who is sick and fighting to breathe, or even the moron in the other car."

Greater Manchester Police has acknowledged the issue and has called on drivers to act responsibly during the lockdown and to only make essential journeys.

Tonge Fold Neighbourhood Watch chairman Dave Edmondson, a former policeman who clocks drivers' speeds, called on drivers to stop disrespecting the law.

l What do you think? Is the issue a problem where you live and how do you think it should be tackled? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or comment online at www.theboltonnews.co.uk