An ex-police officer warns that rampant speeding on Lancashire’s motorways is due to insufficient police presence and financial constraints
Lancashire: Speeding on the motorways is a big issue, and an ex-cop is sounding the alarm. Paul Brooks, who used to patrol these roads, says it’s all about the lack of proper police patrols.
He believes that the main reason for accidents is reckless drivers. With fewer officers on the roads, speeding has become a common sight. Brooks argues that the Highways Agency is “policing on the cheap,” which means drivers often zoom past without a second thought.
Brooks, from Bamber Bridge, points out that financial cuts have left the motorways poorly monitored. He also mentions other problems like the lack of lighting on the M65 and inadequate drainage, which add to the dangers.
After some recent discussions about the M65, where there have been several fatal accidents, local councillors are calling for a safety review. They want to see improvements, including better lighting.
Some folks think the M65 is badly designed, especially with its abrupt end at Colne and barriers that cause flooding. Meanwhile, residents have been complaining about speeding in the area for years.
Brooks has a long history with the police, having spent over 30 years on the force, with 15 of those dedicated to motorway patrols. He recalls when the M65 was just a two-lane road that didn’t connect to anything major.
He’s frustrated that there aren’t enough officers patrolling the motorways anymore. It seems like you only see them when there’s an accident, which isn’t good enough.
Brooks believes that while Highways Agency officers do their best, they lack the authority that police have. This leads to drivers ignoring them, which is a real problem.
He’s concerned that motorway policing isn’t a priority anymore, even as accidents and serious injuries continue to rise. Lancashire used to be part of a larger patrol group, but they pulled out due to costs. It makes you wonder, how do you put a price on safety?
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