Jordan Szakaley calls for action at “dangerous” Bury Road junction

Bury Road/Sandy Lane/Roch Valley Way junction

A cyclist who has been hit by “impatient” drivers jumping a red light at the Bury Road/Sandy Lane/Roch Valley Way junction is calling on the council to take action.

Jordan Szakaley says that the junction by The Cemetery Hotel is notorious among local cyclists who “constantly dodge” cars because they are not obeying the traffic lights.

The Milnrow man, who commutes to Norden every morning by bike, told Rochdale Online that a red light camera should be installed before someone is seriously hurt.

He added: “I would avoid the junction completely if I could, but unfortunately it’s the only way I can get to work.

“Cars jump the red light there all the time, and on a couple of occasions the back of my bike has been hit by people who just can’t wait. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets properly hurt. One morning a guy just came hurtling round and almost had me off my bike.

“I’ve even bought a helmet camera now, to prove how bad it is. I’m hoping to catch it on film to show that I’m not exaggerating. If I don’t have time to get across, then a pedestrian definitely doesn’t.”

Tony Lees, casualty reduction team leader at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The installation of red light cameras is overseen by DriveSafe, a partnership between the council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The decision to install a camera is based on the number of personal injury accidents reported to police in that particular location. There is not a recorded history of regular collisions at this junction, which lowers its priority compared to other areas in the borough. We will continue to monitor the situation and ask that any accidents are immediately reported to the police.”

Local driver Peter Townsend said: “The problem is when you come from Sandy Lane and turn right into Bury Road, people coming in the opposite direction seem to think it’s acceptable to go through on amber or red, giving very little time to the cars turning right. There wouldn’t be a problem if people just acknowledged traffic lights.”