The dangerous road everyone wants safety improvements on

Cars hurtle down Grimshaw Lane at ‘breakneck’ speeds with a ‘woosh’ and a ‘zumph’. And according to locals, it’s hard to believe the speed limit here is 30mph.

Cars hurtle down Grimshaw Lane at ‘breakneck’ speeds with a ‘woosh’ and a ‘zumph’. And according to locals, it’s hard to believe the speed limit here is 30mph.

There have been a number of crashes and near misses on this dangerous main road in Middleton Junction. Sadly, the stretch of road claimed a life last year, sparking a call for what those living nearby say are much-needed safety improvements.

Terence Lewis James, 78, died after being hit by a car on Grimshaw Lane on September 30, 2024. The 78-year-old had walked to the shop with his 10-year-old granddaughter before the incident.

He died from his injuries in Salford Royal Hospital, surrounded by family. No arrests were made at the time, according to Greater Manchester Police.

His tragic death is well-known locally, with many people living along the street referencing Terrence when they bemoan its traffic dangers.

The problem section of the road is between David’s Farm Close and Sandy Lane – where the majority of the crashes happen, Wendy Knight said:

“The vast majority of people build up speed as they go along it,” the 53-year-old explained. “They don’t realise as it’s quite straight, but when they get near to David’s Farm Close, it banks to the left and takes a really sharp turn and they underestimate it.

“When they get to that corner they’ve misjudged it and that’s where they lose control. So we’ve had more incidents on that corner where the chippy and Sandy Lane is than the whole of the street.

“When my kids were going to school you had to walk along the road and it’s just dangerous. Fortunately I’ve not been around when there has been a crash. But you see the aftermath – fences down, bushes destroyed and the road blocked off.

“It’s not a regular occurrence, but it happened enough to remember the diversion around the blocked off road.

“Dare I say a speed camera is a solution. If people have enough warning they will slow down.”

Wendy isn’t alone in her calls for a speed camera to slow down the zooming cars. Michael Jackson, another David’s Farm Close resident, believed a 20mph limit would also benefit safety along Grimshaw Lane.

Taking a break from pruning his hedges that face the notorious main road, the 81-year-old said: “The big problem I have is that when I’m coming out, I want to see the road but I can’t because of the cars that are parked up along the street. Those double yellow lines need to go further back from the junction.

“Sometimes I have to make a left, do a U-turn just to go right from my own street. It’s very risky business sometimes. I feel sure a speed camera would work.

“But it should be 20mph here. There are shops and property all over so there is no need for it to be any higher. They’ve got to get the speed down.

“It’s taking your life in your hands when you come out of my street. Anything to improve things is needed. Something needs to be done. Do we have to have another person getting killed before something is done?”

Thanks to a campaign fronted by Middleton councillor Dylan Williams, funding has been allocated to deliver safety improvements. The initial designs have shown plans for three pedestrian crossing islands; bus stop improvements and double yellow lines at blind spots.

Currently there are no plans for a speed camera or a lower speed limit, but the designs are currency out for public consultation so changes could still be made.

Sean Moscovita, 60, told the LDRS: “It’s just drivers not being safe enough. I’m not sure how they can make the road safer because they’ve already widened the road and put double yellow lines here.

“Maybe we could have a lower speed limit. Signs would be a good thing, maybe to point out blind spots.

“It’s just drivers going on autopilot and not being aware.”

Pointing at the wall across from his home opposite the Sedgley Street junction, repaired from a recent crash, Neil Eaves says he’s seen many incidents on the road. He admitted he is more cautious than others around following the sad death of his nephew from a crash elsewhere in Manchester a few years ago.

The 44-year-old said: “I’ve noticed there have been a few accidents, with that man dying. There was an elderly couple that got clipped as well I remember.

“One time I heard a noise and I looked out the window and there was a car upside down. They go past so fast all the time.

“The noise is like ‘zumph’ as they woosh past. I have to tell my kids about proper road safety. I think cameras might stop people speeding as people slow down when we see them. Anything to stop the speeding.

“We need proper crossings as well as at rush hour you can be waiting a long time to cross. I want to see improvement for the kids.

“In the five years I’ve been here I’d say there have been at least one big crash a year.”

The planned safety improvement scheme forms part of Bee Network funding for highways improvements in the area of Middleton Junction. The project, funded by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is currently out for public consultation. Subject to the results of the consultation, work could start in the coming months.

A TfGM spokesperson said: “We are working with Rochdale council to deliver improvements along Grimshaw Lane in Middleton. Funding has been allocated for development of the scheme with future delivery subject to the necessary support and approvals.”

Coun Dylan Williams has been passionately fighting for these safety improvements for years. He has even been out volunteering on the clean ups following crashes.

The East Middleton ward representative was credited by Middletonians in the area for his hard work to secure this funding.

When the safety improvement plan was announced, Coun Williams said: “I have been involved in this for a number of years. It has been something I have been on all the time.

“There have been loads of crashes there. I have even gone out and volunteered to help clear up the road when this has happened.

“It’s about safety and we tried to make everyone see that. These designs all come from what residents have asked for.

“The way I see it is that it’s the start of something. This is something we can build on and I am actively exploring the building of a residents car park on Sandy Lane.”