In the aftermath of a tragic collision, a petition calling for speed cameras on the A6017 in Denton has been created by heartbroken residents.

Elaine Johnson started the Charge.org petition on July 14, two days after the death of Joanne Whyte, who was hit by a speeding driver on Ashton Road, Denton. 

This isn’t the first accident on the stretch of A6017 that spans Denton and Audenshaw and residents think it won’t be the last unless something is done to prevent dangerous driving.  

Elaine has lived on the road for 20 years. In her postcode area alone, 12 traffic accidents have been documented in the past 30 months.  

Joanne Whyte, who died following a recent collision on the road 

She added: “I decided to start the petition after the death of Joanne. It’s absolutely horrendous, she’d been out enjoying the football and now her children and her grandchildren are grieving the loss of their family.  

“I believe her death could have been prevented. The road has always been an accident waiting to happen. You just have to look out the window to see motorists overtaking one another or racing over the speed limit.  

“We know that speeds cameras are expensive, but we want something to protect us. It feels like no one is helping to keep us safe. I initially messaged Denton MP Andrew Gwynne and I was disappointed in how dismissive he was, treating the amount of accidents as ‘normal’ in an urban environment.” 

When reached for comment, Gwynne MP said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual who lost their life in this tragic accident on the A6017.  

“I fully support residents in their attempts to crack down on speeding traffic. This road has become a bit of a racetrack for some, and the latest tragedy is added to a long list of other accidents and near misses.  

“Speeding camera locations are determined by Greater Manchester Police and the Road Safety Partnership across Greater Manchester. I certainly agree that Denton Road and Ashton Road must be looked at again by them. 

“I am also taking this up with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to see what more they are able to do from a highways perspective and will update residents accordingly with any developments." 

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne

Elaine has started a Facebook group with other residents who live on the busy road and want to crack down on speeding drivers.  

One of the members, Jacqui Derbyshire, has had two cars written off as a result of uninsured drivers crashing into the back of them. The first incident took place on a Sunday afternoon and the other in the early hours of a Sunday morning.  

She added: “I actually captured the driver speed into my car then reverse and hit the neighbour’s car. Only a week later, someone was knocked down. I’ve lived here for over 5 years and already I’ve witnessed multiple incidents along this road. Neighbours that have lived here much longer also recount cars crashing into homes or shops. It really is scary.  

“I have a 17 and 12-year-old daughter and they get the school bus across the street. I feel anxious letting them cross in the morning, because even though there are traffic lights, the drivers don’t always stop. 

“I signed the petition and I’m campaigning because I really don’t want this to happen to anyone else. We just want something done!”  

You can sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/uk-government-speed-cameras-speed-bumps-for-preventing-accidents-on-a6107-denton 

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