Huge reduction in child casualties on borough’s roads

20mph speed limit

The number of children seriously injured on the borough’s roads has dramatically reduced over the past 16 years.

Looking at every age group, the numbers of road casualties have been reducing in the borough, down 73%, from 1,333 in 2000 to 365 in 2016.

Figures also show that between 2001–2003, there were 60 child casualties, compared to 22 between 2014–2016 - a 63% reduction.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said he welcomed the news that numbers are reducing: “These reductions have been helped by the introduction of 20mph speed limits around all schools in the borough, using signing and traffic calming measures along with our continuing programme to make as many minor roads and new estates, 20mph zones.

"One casualty is of course too many, so we will be carrying on this work and hope to see further reductions.”

The statistics have been published by Transport for Greater Manchester from data supplied by Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor Farnell added: “We all have a role to play to ensure our roads are safer and the number of accidents and injuries on our roads are reduced.

"The council play a major part but I also ask residents and road users to play their part too by taking on board the information around road safety awareness and adhering to road safety law, particularly around speed limits and not using a mobile phone whilst driving.”