Lancashire’s Police Commissioner responds to criticism over M65 safety and funding cuts following recent fatal incidents on the motorway
Lancashire: The Police and Crime Commissioner is stepping up to defend the officers handling the M65. There’s been a lot of chatter lately about safety, especially after some tragic accidents and budget cuts.
Commissioner Clive Grunshaw pointed out that there’s a dedicated road policing unit focused on speeding and drink driving. They’re also on the scene for serious accidents. He mentioned that the force is proactive in targeting dangerous drivers.
These comments come after a string of bad crashes on the M65, which has been under fire for safety issues. Local councils are even discussing ways to make the motorway safer.
In Pendle, some councillors are worried about things like the lack of lighting, lane designs, and flooding around the concrete barriers. A retired officer, Paul Brooks, chimed in, saying that funding cuts have hurt police patrols.
Mr. Grunshaw reassured everyone that the road policing unit is there to keep the roads safe. They deal with speeding, drink driving, and respond to serious accidents.
He emphasized that dangerous driving is a big concern for communities, and they’re committed to making the roads safer for everyone.
Mr. Brooks, who used to be a cop, believes that today’s motorways aren’t getting the attention they need due to financial pressures on the police. He thinks the current Highways Agency officers don’t have enough real power, and many speeders just ignore them.
He also raised concerns about the M65’s lighting issues, poor drainage, and the mix of two and three-lane sections.
Brooks spoke up after Pendle councillor Mick Strickland, who works with the fire service and has seen M65 accidents firsthand, pushed for a motion to stop removing lights from the motorway. The council plans to reach out to National Highways and local MPs about these safety concerns.
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