Shaw councillor, Howard Sykes MBE hit out at council complacency today as he called the wait for replacement Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) signs on Buckstones Road, Shaw “an absolute disgrace”.

Councillor Sykes said, “Speeding on Buckstones Road is a huge concern for Shaw residents.  These signs have been faulty many years.  More than two years ago cash found to replace them and yet the council are still not getting the basic jobs done, like this.  Meanwhile, drivers, horse riders, walkers, church goers and children in Shaw are left with an unnecessarily dangerous road.  Lives are at risk or injury every week these sign are delayed.”

When in operation, VAS signs have proven to be a cost-effective way to tackle speeding in areas where speed cameras have been refused like Buckstones Road.  However, in the latest communication received by councillor Sykes the council was still unable to confirm when these life-saving speed signs would be replaced.

Councillor Sykes said, “The budget for these signs to be replaced was agreed back in the summer of 2020, these signs are top of the list to be replaced and yet the council still cannot tell me this will be.  There are also many other VAS signs elsewhere in the borough also waiting to be replaced.  This is yet another example of Oldham’s Labour council not focusing on what is important.  It’s simply not good enough.”