Residents of Vulcan Street in Oldham, Greater Manchester, have expressed growing fears that a fatal accident is inevitable on the road, where speeding cars have caused severe injuries for over 26 years. Locals report broken bones, long-term injuries, and pedestrians being thrown "30 feet in the air" due to reckless driving.
Decades of Concern
Sharon McLean, whose son was run over on Vulcan Street 26 years ago, told the Manchester Evening News: "It happens all the time. Sometimes it's bloody murder but what can you do about it?" Her son spent 11 weeks in hospital with a broken femur. She added: "For it to be going on for that long and nothing has been done, it's just ridiculous. They definitely need to do something. When the sun comes out, they just speed up and down here."
More than two decades later, McLean still worries about the road and fears for her granddaughter's safety. "Having gone through it once, you really wouldn't want to go through it again," she said.
Shared Fears Among Neighbours
Jordie Foote said: "It's scary to worry when your kids go out. They should have done something years ago. You double look and you double check. You have got to be cautious." Julie Smith added: "I know what I was like when I was a kid. I just ran out. They run straight to the ice cream van. There's been quite a lot of accidents up here over the years and it shouldn't take a kid being run over for someone to do something, for the council to pull their finger out of their ass and do something."
Smith tried more than 25 years ago to get road bumps installed. "Just this stretch where it's the kids from the park and school, that would be enough. I think it's going to take a kid to be killed for something to happen," she said.
Jorden Rosevere, who walks her son Jace with a toddler safety harness and reins, said: "I'm just scared even going to the shops if he goes off and someone is coming, especially the motorbikes at night time. It's a nightmare especially when it's warm. It's not the first time a child has been hit."
Political Calls for Action
Labour councillor Josh Charters has repeatedly raised the issue. In July 2023, he highlighted concerns after a young boy was hospitalised and several properties were damaged in crashes. Following another accident on May 22, he is again calling for action. He has requested a meeting with the council's highways team and police, stating: "One of the first things I raised when I was elected was speeding on Vulcan Street, and although we are lucky we haven't had a fatality on this road, it's only a matter of time. With new homes being built on Abbotsford Road, now is the time to look at traffic calming measures, whether that is speed cushions, junction tables or full width road humps."
An Oldham Council spokesperson said: "Road safety is a priority for the council and we are aware of concerns that have been raised by local residents and ward members about speeding and dangerous driving on Vulcan Street. We are working with Greater Manchester Police and local councillors to review the issues raised and consider what measures may be appropriate to improve safety for residents, pedestrians and other road users, particularly as new housing developments come forward in the area."
