Drivers caught on camera in tram only zones

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Ten different signs circled at the junction of Drake Street and Water Street indicating traffic has to turn right

Drivers caught on camera driving straight into tram zones in Rochdale town centre have sparked a debate about whether or not there is a need for better signage.

Despite 10 warnings, including road signs and markings which say traffic should turn right at the Drake Street/Water Street junction, vehicles are caught almost daily making the trip to the bottom of Drake Street, which since the introduction of the trams has been out of bounds.

Issues have been raised as to whether or not the signs are clear enough, though many arguments are stating that it is more a matter of laziness than ignorance.

One local driver, Paul Jones, posted a photo circling 10 different points at the junction which indicate that traffic has to turn right. He said: “Are these 10 signs not enough?

“There are plenty of signs not to go down there. A lot seem to be doing it though.”

Local postman and driver Darren Flynn said: “It’s ridiculous, I see cars going down there every day and it’s going to end up causing an accident.

“There are no signs at the bottom which isn’t helping matters. It’s time this was sorted out.”

Laura McFarlane posted: “Road signs are there to be totally ignored by the taxi drivers of today. Whatever it says, they just do exactly as they want and don't give a toss to the consequences...”

Martin Edmonson said that he thinks the problem is “unsolvable”. He added: “The problem is towards the bottom where trams, when departing from the town centre and proceeding up Drake Street, are for a short distance on the wrong side of the road until they cross over on to the double track section.

“To potentially have cars facing oncoming trams will have an inevitable result sooner or later.”