THE number of reported crashes in Oldham went down significantly in the space of a year amid coronavirus restrictions, figures have revealed.

Data from a Freedom of Information request to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) found there were 190 reported collisions in the borough from February 2020 to January this year – 40 per cent less than the year before (315).

The statistics show four people died after collisions in the latest year period, one more than the previous 12 months.

The number of casualties who suffered serious injuries fell from 63 to 51 and those who were injured slightly dropped 44 per cent from 389 to 217.

GMP said that as the latest year period includes months when Covid-19 rules were in place when motorists were only advised to drive for essential reasons at times, there were understandably less cars on the road. But now restrictions have been lifted and traffic is returning to normal, the force wants to continue to monitor road safety.

GMP’s Safer Transport Team have been working across districts to increase road safety throughout the force to encourage fewer collisions.

This includes speed laser enforcement, talking to residents as well as deploying "high visibility" patrols.

In Oldham, police have carried out awareness and enforcement on routes that have been highlighted as specific concerns by residents.

This week, the force is supporting Project Edward (Every Day Without a Road Death) and the national vulnerable road users campaign to keep the region's roads safe.

Inspector Joseph Barron from GMP’s Safer Transport Coordination Unit, said: “Collisions are often the result of speeding or being distracted at the wheel - even a moment’s lapse of attention can cause an accident.

“We’d like to urge our communities to stay alert and think ahead.

"Lives can be wrecked in an instant and the consequences last a lifetime.

“If you have any concerns whilst out on the roads then please report them to us on our website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

“Thank you to the large majority of motorists that drive carefully, consider other road users and do not commit offences. You are helping to make our roads safer for everyone.”