Apologies for the lack of updates recently – as you are all aware as you look out of the windows – snow has put paid to most journeys, and also it was Christmas so things come to a halt. Whilst taking a much deserved break, the site recieved a response from Area-10 regarding Denton Roundabout.

Unfortunately, it seems that I will be venturing round this roundabout in circles because the pattern has been as follows:

Tameside Council: Contact Area-10 – they are responsible for it.
Area-10: Nothing to do with us, you need to speak to GMP / GMCRP.

Below is the information from Area-10:

Further to my previous email I can confirm the following which we have received from our Watchman Team which I hope you will find helpful.

Our team have reviewed the video footage on the website fightbaddriving and it is clear from that that motorists are taking it upon themselves to jump through red lights. This is an enforcement issue that needs to be considered either by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and/or the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership (GMCRP) as a site for red light cameras etc.

In addition, Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control manage and maintain the traffic signals at this junction on behalf of the Highways Agency and they are able to monitor the traffic signal timings and make adjustments where necessary. That said, it is not as simple as giving more green time to one approach and then increase the inter-green time to provide more time for traffic to clear as both of these actions result in lost time somewhere in the traffic signal cycle.

We are currently developing a scheme to improve the traffic signals on this junction where the M67 joins from the east. The purpose of this improvement scheme is to reduce congestion and therefore when implemented consideration could be given to reallocating some time to other arms of the junction. At this stage we are developing the design with a view to implementing the works during 2010-11 subject to funding.

I have passed your comments onto GMP and GMCRP and also Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control for their comments.

They have indeed passed this information on to someone regarding the alteration of traffic signal timings, but unfortunately, this will just give drivers more time to go through the red lights, but mean less danger to the other car drivers legally stopped at a red.

At least they have had the courtesy to contact me back, and have passed the information on to the relevant person at the Highways Agency.

I will now persue the issue with Greater Manchester Police (who seem to not want to respond to my twitters) and the Greater Manchester Reduction Partnership, because although the comments by myself have been passed on, I have not been included in any of the mails, whereas I have with the Highways Agency.

In the meantime, thanks for supporting the site, and here’s to a safe 2010 for all.