Traffic survey on Rooley Mooor Road – why?

by Mick Coats

AT the recent Spotland and Falinge Forum there was a report , as usual, from the police. As part of the report the police asked residents for their priorities.  The problem of speeding was identified as of considerable concern for the vast majority of local residents with people giving examples of cars speeding.  One of the main concerns related to Rooley Moor Road.

Later in the meeting a proposed traffic survey on Rooley Moor Road was discussed.  One of the Councillors (the only one present) had asked for a survey as she believed there was a problem with 'the flow of traffic and visibility at bends and junctions'.and claimed that this had been raised with her.  No evidence of who raised this issue or if they even lived along, or next to Rooley Moor Road  or even in Rochdale was provided.  However it was clear from the discussion that there was no evidence of anyone being held up for more than a few seconds.  There have also been few accidents and no serious ones.

So why the survey? Some residents questioned the intention of the survey and again commented that the real issue was cars speeding. According to the council the study was to be undertaken 'to identify locations for new waiting restrictions.' Also, following consultation 'a scheme will be drafted to formally promote any restrictions proposed'. It seems that residents will have no choice as to whether we want waiting and parking restrictions, but just a say in where they might be.

Talking to people in the area and those attending the meeting, the feeling was, and is that the problem is speeding, not parked cars.

Indeed parked cars reduce the opportunity of vehicles to speed and the speed they can achieve!

In addition cars will be forced to park on the side roads and emerging from side streets has been identified as where accidents are more likely to occur. It will be more difficult as well, as cars on the main road will probably be going faster.

In a traffic survey undertaken with regard to the speed of traffic on Rooley Moor Road in 2017 (March), it was found that over 600 cars were travelling at over 40 mph. This survey was conducted over one week. Removing parked and waiting cars will allow these drivers to go even faster.

Who will benefit from the intended outcomes of the survey? Not people driving in from Bury and Ramsbottom as they will use Edenfield Road. Not local people faced with speeding cars and more difficulty parking. Possibly people living in Caldershaw, but Edenfield Road is probably their best route into town. People living in Mountain Ash and Lane Head may be able to come into the town one or two minutes quicker. So why did Councillor Biant commission the survey, costing thousands of pounds?

This illustrates the problem we have with Councillors. They are unaccountable and lack respect or consideration for the views of residents and this is but one example. I suppose that given the political affiliation of our Councillors, at least we will have our pot holes filled in!!

*************