POLICE are cracking down on a speeding hotspot as a campaigner pleaded: “We need help before somebody dies”.

With quieter roads during lockdown, drivers have raced well above speed limits on Ainsworth Lane and Archer Avenue. On Tuesday, a car was clocked at 74mph by Tonge Fold Neighbourhood Watch – nearly four times the 20mph limit.

Group chairman Dave Edmondson said: “We need help before somebody dies or is seriously injured.” The organisation is calling for speed cameras.

Chief Inspector Mike Russell said: “We are aware that the high number of speeding offences in this area is a real concern for residents, and it is completely understandable why.

“Speeding can have devastating consequences – not only does it increase the risk of collisions occurring, but it can affect the severity of those that do take place and in the worst case scenario can be fatal.

“Our officers are working with the local community speedwatch group and assist their trained volunteers during their regular speed watches, educating drivers on the speed limit in the area and the dangers of exceeding the limit.

“A local officer has also engaged with schools in area, presenting speed awareness information to pupils and running a design your own speed sign competition, to a begin discussion which they will hopefully carry on at home.

“Across Greater Manchester we have seen an increase in speeding incidents, with some drivers taking advantage of the quieter roads due to Covid-19.

“As part of our plans to tackle this, we have increased patrols in the area.

“Drivers caught over the speed limit risk receiving a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and three penalty points.

“We want to continue working with the local community and partners to tackle this issue, ensuring that all road users adhere to the traffic regulations, keeping themselves and others safe.”

Chairman of the neighbourhood watch group Dave Edmondson, who set up the group in October 2018, is hoping action will be taken quickly.

He said: “We have been recording the speeds of vehicles in the community for 12 months and sadly they don’t make good reading.

“These speeds have been passed to GMP who are working with us to deal with the problem proactively.

The police nor ourselves, can be on one road all the time.

“We need help before somebody dies or is seriously injured.”

Dave has set up a petition asking for more support to improve enforcement. To visit the page go to chng.it/VBfPwdYz.