Bolton saw around twice as many fatal car crashes than its neighbouring areas in a five-year period, figures have revealed - as police battle to make the road's towns safer.

According to data collated by CrashMap, which uses statistics published by the Department for Transport relating to personal injury accidents on public roads that are reported to the police, 33 people died on Bolton’s roads between 2017 and 2021.

When compared to Bolton’s neighbours, this figure is more than twice the number of fatalities in Bury – 15 – in the same time period, and just less than double that of Salford – 18.

CrashMap’s data also revealed locations with a concentrated number of serious road traffic collisions.

Among these include Higher Swan Lane/Bridgeman Street in Great Lever, Moss Bank Lane/Tattersall Avenue in Doffcocker, Crompton Way/Bury Road in Tong Fold and Derby Street in Deane, among others.

READ: Residents call for action to make Great Lever road safer

The Bolton News: Higher Swan Lane/Bridgeman Street in Great LeverHigher Swan Lane/Bridgeman Street in Great Lever

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Experience indicates that driver behaviour is a significant factor in many road traffic collisions.  

“We work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to educate the public about the dangers of careless driving and urge motorists to drive safely and responsibly – recent initiatives have included the Limits Save Lives and Safe Drive Stay Alive campaigns.

“We also work in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester on the Road Danger Reduction Action Plan which targets younger drivers, people on two wheels and other vulnerable road users.

“Speed enforcement and other driving offences are police matters.”

READ: Chorley New Road reopens after serious crash

Superintendent Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police's Bolton district said: “Making roads safer for all who use them is a priority for officers in Bolton, as it is for officers across the force.

“We are taking a multi-agency proactive approach to fighting, preventing, and reducing crimes committed on our roads to keep both motorists and pedestrians safe.

"This includes days of action under Operation Avro and Operation Vortex, for example.

“Earlier this month, an Operation Vortex day of action in Bolton resulted in officers recording 102 traffic offences, 29 speed offences, issuing 19 prohibition notices, seizing five vehicles and making four arrests.

“As part of the force’s ongoing recruitment, additional officers are being deployed to our Roads Policing Unit.”