We need safer streets (From Leigh Journal)

We need safer streets

9:05am Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in

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SIR, I read with interest J Collier's letter (Journal, Feb 25) and thoroughly agree with his comments and obvious concerns.

Here in Atherton, not only do cyclists, both young and "mature", use the pavements, motorists regularly park partially and in many cases, fully on pavements and walkways. They also use 'pedestrianised' Market Street as a rat run.

What use are the many CCTV cameras liberally dotted around the town? Who monitors these cameras and the many misdemeanours regularly being committed? Where are the wardens when you need them? What are the success/operating statistics for the CCTV cameras and wardens, what are the respective Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators for a public service which we are paying for via our national and local taxes? Publication of the data should be on a regular periodic basis.

Perhaps the answer is to ban all daytime traffic on Market Street, including buses and council vehicles, and create a layby bus stop at the expense of six or so parking bays, on Mealhouse Lane.

Let's at least try to make Atherton a safer town. Who will be responsible for any injuries to pedestrians caused by inconsiderate motorists and cyclists?

Ray Lyons Atherton