26Nov 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
School streets must not be knocked back again

School streets must not be knocked back again

Borough news
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani is campaigning for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver School Streets – schemes to manage traffic around local schools – and give applications the priority they need in forthcoming funding bids. An application to fund a scheme in Lees around Medlock Way was knocked back by the Labour-run GMCA, as they wanted to develop a Greater Manchester wide scheme, rather than put forward this proposal on its own. Sadly, when the funding agreement from the Government was put forward, School Street schemes were prioritised – meaning that the scheme almost certainly would have gone through. Councillor Al-Hamdani said: “I understand the need to ensure that everyone can get access to a scheme such as this, but it is extremely frustrating that this has…
Read More
22Sep 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Secrecy over speed camera criteria “is something North Korea would be very proud of”

Secrecy over speed camera criteria “is something North Korea would be very proud of”

Borough news
The Oldham Liberal Democrats want to see some action to bring speed cameras back into use and more transparency over where they are sited and how they are funded. At present officers from GM Councils, the Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester meet to discuss speed cameras, with elected councillors having no say in decision making; a situation that Oldham Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has described as “something North Korea would be very proud of.” Councillor Sykes has written to Eamonn Boylan, the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, asking him to ensure that all existing speed cameras are functional and recording traffic violations as they happen, and that they be upgraded to incorporate the latest digital technology. Councillor Sykes also wants…
Read More
16Sep 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Extra step to improve safety at Dovestone

Extra step to improve safety at Dovestone

Borough news
There have been concerns over parking at Dovestone with extensive yellow lines implemented and enforcement action taking place. There has also been the use of BBQs which risk huge fires. Following discussions with the marshals, Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness has highlighted another concern. Councillor Garth Harkness said: “Last year I called for irresponsible people lighting BBQs on our moorlands to be hit in the pocket to be fined £1,000. Since then we have had a Public Protection Order introduced. While I think the fines are modest it is welcomed progress, as are the extensive yellow lines and the collaborative work done at Dovestone to help address the safety concerns. “There is also another problem which has emerged and that is motorists attempting a right turn when it is dangerous…
Read More
31Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
20mph speed limit OK for one but not the other

20mph speed limit OK for one but not the other

Borough news, Campaigns, road safety
Councillor Garth Harkness has welcomed an 18 month order to limit speeds of cars in Uppermill, to facilitate social distancing, but is also perplexed by the decision. He said: “I have been campaigning for a long time with regards to 20mph speed limits, backing the “20's plenty” campaign. The Council failed to support my motion for 20mph limits on residential roads across the borough. “After the HGV incidents in Dobcross residents and I have been pushing for Dobcross to become a 20mph zone. “Despite this happening in other parts of the country there has always been an excuse not to do it. But now, it seems that we can introduce the measures for social distancing but not for road safety? “I call on the council to again introduce 20mph speed…
Read More
26Sep 2018 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrats call for council action to tackle HGV gridlock

Borough news, Campaigns, Saddleworth News
At the full September meeting of Oldham Council Liberal Democrat Councillors Derek Heffernan and Garth Harkness proposed and seconded a Motion asking for action to tackle the traffic chaos caused by HGVs using inappropriate roads in the Borough’s smaller villages and rural areas. Both Councillors witnessed this earlier this year when on April 26 in their own ward of Saddleworth North a large articulated lorry blocked the junction of Grains Road and King Street in Delph for four hours. Commenting, Councillor Heffernan said: “Garth and I saw then the chaos that a HGV driver can cause in a village when trying to navigate a tight road junction in a small village. These situations usually occur when drivers ignore displayed weight or width restrictions or use satnavs designed for cars instead…
Read More