THREE in four motorists are breaking the 30mph speed limit in a Bolton road — with one clocking an incredible 78mph.

Police have issued £10,000 worth of fines in just 12 months to drivers speeding in Wearish Lane, Westhoughton.

It follows a police survey last month in which three quarters of drivers were found to be speeding.

Neighbours claim lives are at risk and have been campaigning for measures to slow down traffic on the road for many years.

Trevor Crookell, aged 56, said: "GMP have issued over £10,000 in fines on Wearish Lane this year alone and whilst the speed limit is 30mph the average speed of those caught was 40mph.

"The road is also used by HGVs as a cut through from industrial estates in Wigan to junction five of the M61 which makes it a dangerous place to be."

Neighbours say that in recent years cars have gone through garden walls and motorists and pedestrians have been seriously injured.

Fellow resident Alan Jackson, also a road safety campaigner, added: "HGVs and speeding cars are ruining our town.

"The lorries cut straight through our local nature reserve and head toward Westhoughton town centre just to save a couple of minutes.

"Joggers, dog walkers, horse owners and pedestrians regularly use Wearish Lane and they often have to leap out of the way to avoid being knocked down by cars and lorries.

"Peoples lives are regularly in danger and the constant stream of lorries is affecting the quality of life in the town. It's an accident waiting to happen."

Last year the residents presented the council with a petition asking for weight restrictions on the road to stop HGVs using the road, but their calls were rejected.

They have enlisted the help of their local MP Julie Hilling.

She said: "I will work with the residents and do everything I can to help.

"I will push the local authority to take action. I would also ask HGV drivers to use the correct route and not use this as a cut through."

Campaigners say they will be approaching highways bosses again this week.

Headteacher Jacqueline Gilbert, of nearby St George's CE Primary School, said she was very supportive of the campaign.

She said: "Our children walk along the lane to come to school. We will be taking part in activities to mark Road Safety Week."

Pupil Jonny Lee, aged 10, added: "I think there should be a pedestrian crossing and speed humps. I am pleased to be a part of the campaign."

Cllr David Chadwick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "I am aware that the residents of Wearish Lane have serious concerns about the number of HGVs and the speed of some vehicles which use Wearish Lane.

"Drivers need to understand that 30 mph is a maximum speed limit and not a minimum.

"Driving over the speed limit is antisocial and can lead to lead to serious and fatal accidents.

"Whilst being fully supportive of their aspirations, unfortunately the accident statistics which decides where scarce resources are allocated do not place the road near to the top of the list of priorities.

"I have personally placed signs on lamp posts to emphasise the speed limit on the lane.”