Those living on Vulcan Street in Oldham, Greater Manchester have expressed their concern after Sharon McLean’s son was mowed down by a car and broke his leg
Locals still fear the same road where Sharon McLean’s son was run over 26 years ago, believing it remains a place where further accidents are inevitable.
“It happens all the time. Sometimes it’s bloody murder but what can you do about it?” Sharon told the Manchester Evening News.
The road where residents say people have suffered broken bones, sustained long-term injuries and even been thrown “30 feet in the air” is Vulcan Street in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Long, largely straight and with little to slow traffic down, many fear it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.
Despite repeated calls for traffic calming measures, including speed bumps, traffic lights and lower speed limits, many residents believe not enough has been done to make the road safer.
Sharon McLean has been living with those fears for more than two decades.
“It’s terrible. My son was knocked down here 26 years ago and still nothing has been done. He is fine now but 11 weeks in hospital with a broken femur so it wasn’t fine then. I know one that was knocked down before my son was.”
“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, she still worries about the road and fears for her granddaughter’s safety as she gets older.
“Having gone through it once, you really wouldn’t want to go through it again.”
The concern is shared by others living nearby. 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 said: “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.
“I tried more than 25 years ago to try and get road bumps on here. 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.”
For parents, even everyday journeys can feel stressful. Jorden Rosevere feels forced to walks her son Jace using a toddler safety harness and reins.
“I’m just scared even going to the shops if he goes off and someone is coming, especially the motorbikes at night time,” she told the Manchester Evening News.
She added: “It’s a nightmare especially when it’s warm. It’s not the first time a child has been hit.”
The issue has also been repeatedly raised with local politicians. In July 2023, Labour councillor Josh Charters highlighted concerns after a young boy was hospitalised and several properties suffered significant damage 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, saying: “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.
“Before there are further collisions, I want the Highways Team and GMP [Greater Manchester Police] to meet with me on site and discuss the options we can take to slow traffic down and ensure that pedestrians are kept safe.”
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.”
