Speeding

The responsibility for carrying enforcement action for speeding or dangerous driving offences lies with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and incidences of persistent speeding observed by residents should be reported directly to speedcomplaints@gmp.police.uk or Report a road traffic incident (external link).

20mph speed limits

Wigan Council’s aim in dealing with inappropriate driving is to change driver’s attitudes and behaviours when travelling on residential streets to ensure that travelling at 20 mph or lower is the norm. To assist this approach 20 mph speed limits have been introduced on the majority of residential streets across the borough. As such we would not be looking to introduce further traditional traffic calming measures such as speed bumps that have often proved unpopular, may generate additional noise and vibrations to the annoyance of nearby residents and can also slow down emergency vehicles.

We want all of our residents and particularly children and young people to be able to walk, cycle and play safely on our streets.

A 20mph speed limit improves road safety throughout the borough, saves lives and prevents serious injuries. A pedestrian, if struck by a vehicle at 20mph, is likely to suffer slight injuries. At 30mph they would be severely hurt and at 40mph or above are likely to be killed. 

Changing driver behaviour

We want to change driver’s attitudes and behaviours when travelling on residential streets rather than prosecute speeding offences. However, the 20mph speed limit is legally enforceable by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

If you are concerned about vehicle speeds in your area, as part of The Deal we are giving residents the opportunity to record the speed of vehicles travelling through their neighbourhood. 

Classified roads

We do not install speed bumps on classified roads. This is because we have a Network Management Duty, which requires local traffic authorities to do all that is reasonably practical to manage the network effectively to keep traffic moving.

Due to the type of vehicles using classified roads, such as buses and heavy goods vehicles, vertical traffic calming measures like speed bumps may generate additional noise and vibrations to the annoyance of nearby residents. This may lead to an increase in complaints. 

They can also slow down emergency vehicles.

© Wigan Council