OLDHAM councillor Garth Harkness has called for temporary 20mph speed restrictions to become permanent and more widespread across the borough.

Funding for this formed part of the Liberal Democrat budget amendment on March 4.

He said: "Residents and community groups have raised concerns for a long time about speeding and we have previously pushed for action around tractors, HGVs and speeding.

“We identified funding which can make 20mph speed limits permanent and more widespread with some support for enforcement too.

“Across the borough it will save lives and prevent hundreds of injuries. I have been proud to support residents’ groups who have worked so hard to demonstrate local commitment to road safety.”

A number of temporary 20mph restrictions being introduced in Saddleworth to help protect residents who need to step off the narrow pavements to maintain social distancing due to the coronavirus.

Cllr Harkness said: “In December, I let residents know of the plans for 20mph temporary speed limits for Delph and Dobcross. I am delighted. In Saddleworth, this decision in principle will hopefully enable quicker progress to protect residents in all our villages and permanently.

“I hear about speeding more than anything”, he said. “Maybe it also reflects how recent months have brought home to us all how precious the lives and health of family and friends are to us.”

Earlier this week new temporary speed restrictions were announced by Oldham Council for Dobcross and Delph and Jayne Gibson, a Dobcross mother of two, was praised for raising a 500 strong petition campaigning about ongoing road safety concerns.

Mrs Gibson said: “Thank you to every one of you who signed the petition. Please remember: 20mph roads are safer, healthier and greener. A child is three times more likely to die to if hit by a car on a 30mph road than on a 20mph road.

“20mph roads reduce noise pollution, reduce the amount of harmful particles being released in to the air, which is particularly harmful for those with asthma or lung conditions, and saves on fuel.”

Cllr Pam Byrne said: “In Dobcross there have questions raised for some time about the village becoming a ‘Rat Run’ when the new school opens in 2022 so there will be time to get used to this new speed limit.

“In Delph I hope the reduced limit on Grains Road will benefit the residents especially where there are children walking to school where there are no footpaths.”