A road could receive a chicane rather than speed cameras after a petition raised 400 signatures from residents.

The residents of Smithills Dean Road and its surroundings want the authorities to address the problem of speeding in particular past its two schools.

Recently, a petition raised 400 signatures and as a result the problem of speeding was considered by cabinet member for highways Hamid Khurram.

However, a report suggested the road was not at the threshold for the installation of speed cameras and Cllr Khurram took alternative action instead. Specifically, the report suggested there is a requirement for three fatalities or injuries described as 'serious' over three years to be at the threshold for the installation of speed cameras.

Roger Hayes, a councillor for Smithills Ward and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said the road could receive a chicane rather than speed cameras after he made the suggestion at the meeting.

He said: "They've agreed to look at a chicane between Little Dean and the primary school.

"It's a dangerous road with two schools but if we get the chicane it would be something."

READ MORE: Bolton: Average speed cameras planned for the borough.

Cllr Hayes criticised the requirement for three fatalities or injuries described as 'serious' over three years, as well as the system by which the council pays for the installation of the speed cameras, but the government receives the income from the speed cameras.

However, he expressed hope for the future after a call for a review of the system by his colleague Garry Veevers was approved by the council on July 26.

He said: "We are asking the MPs, the boroughs of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support it but it's early days. 

"If it does anything it'll be slow I suspect."

In the interim Cllr Khurram took alternative action in the form of a request to the police for speed enforcement as well as hi-vis backing boards on the 30mph signs and 'dragons teeth' markings.

The backing boards and the markings are subject to approval from the councillors for the ward.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.