A CAMPAIGN to tackle racing and irresponsible driving on Bolton’s roads is being launched after a number of crashes which left people dead or seriously injured.

The fire service, police, Bolton Council and Bolton Council of Mosques have teamed up to run the pilot, believed to be the first of its kind, in the run up to summer.

The campaign was prompted by the jailing of two “racing” drivers, who sped at up to 80mph in St Helens Road, Daubhill, before crashing and leaving a 12-year-old boy with “life-changing” injuries. The crash, last July, left 11 people injured in total.

And it comes just days after Judge Timothy Stead highlighted the number of fatal crashes in Bolton after three drivers were sentenced in four days.

As part of the campaign, a DVD will be produced about the Daubhill incident, and the impact it had on the lives of those involved, as well as the local community, and emergency services who attended.

Events will be held at five mosques from today, to raise awareness of the dangers of racing and anti-social driving, by BCoM representatives, police officers and firefighters.

Bolton borough fire service manager Ian Bailey said: “We have identified that some young Asian males tend to use some of their disposable income on buying a nice car and we are just trying to make them aware of what the consequences can be if they drive these vehicles in an irresponsible manner.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the mosques for allowing us to use them as a focal point for what we think is a really important safety message.”


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There will be a driving simulator, and police and fire officers will be on hand to give information and advice.

Chairman of BCoM, Dr Kamran Khan said: “If BCoM can contribute towards preventing an issue that’s become prevalent across Bolton by engaging with local communities, as well as local authorities, it gives us the opportunity to provide a safer environment for residents in Bolton.

“If we can save lives as a result of our contribution to the campaign, then it makes all the effort completely worthwhile.”

A public event to promote the campaign will be staged later this year.

Bolton’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Road safety in Bolton is an important issue for local people, and is everyone’s responsibility. The safer driving campaign is an excellent way to raise awareness of the risks associated with dangerous driving in light of a series of coll isions in recent months.”

Councillor Nick Peel, cabinet member for environment, neighbourhoods and regulation, said: “Road safety campaigns are vital to educate people about the dangers of speeding, and other unsafe driving practices, and the serious consequences which can result.

“As part of this campaign, our neighbourhood management teams are working closely in partnership with the police, the fire service, and BCom, to hopefully prevent accidents happening in the future.”