Between 10 August and 6 September 2025, there were four serious road traffic incidents in Park Bridge, including one tragic fatality. These collisions confirm what residents already know: our narrow village lanes were never designed for modern levels of through-traffic.
Every day, residents, families, children, and visitors are put at risk by speeding vehicles and rat-running traffic. That’s why the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group has been working on a draft proposal for urgent action through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
This is a trial traffic restriction that uses cameras to stop dangerous through-traffic, while still allowing residents and visitors access.
We are now sharing this proposal with residents before formally presenting it to Tameside Council, to make sure it reflects the community’s views.
View our full proposal below, and share your views further down the page.
Park-Bridge-Road-Saftey-Proposal-September-2025Why we’re proposing this
- Community safety: Four serious incidents in under a month highlight the urgent danger
- Environmental impact: Heavy traffic creates poor air quality, constant noise, and congestion. Tameside Council has declared a climate emergency, and restricting unnecessary through-traffic is a clear step towards reducing emissions
- Heritage protection: Park Bridge is a nationally significant historic conservation village, home to the former ironworks. Vibrations and pollution threaten the character and fabric of this unique landscape
- Walking and cycling: With less through-traffic, Park Bridge will be safer for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and improving access to the Medlock Valley trails
Why ANPR is the practical solution
- Cuts rat-running traffic: ANPR cameras enforce restrictions fairly and consistently, stopping vehicles from using Park Bridge as a dangerous cut-through
- Balances access needs: Residents will be exempt, and visitors will still be able to drive to the car park and enjoy the village and trails. Emergency vehicles, carers, and essential services can also be granted access
- Proven success: Similar schemes in London, Oxford, Durham, and Bath show ANPR is the most reliable way to reduce traffic while protecting heritage areas and maintaining local access
- More effective than signs or speed bumps: Unlike traditional measures, ANPR provides continuous enforcement without relying on police presence, ensuring real compliance
What This Would Mean for Residents
- Safer streets with fewer speeding vehicles and less rat-running
- Cleaner air and quieter environment, improving health and wellbeing
- Heritage safeguarded, with reduced damage to listed buildings and conservation areas
- Access maintained, ANPR enforcement targets non-compliant through-traffic, not local residents
What this would mean for visitors
- Visitor access remains open: The proposed enforcement section does not affect routes to the public car park. Visitors will still be able to drive in, park, and enjoy the Medlock Valley trails, and the natural beauty of Park Bridge
- Safer, more welcoming experience for families, walkers, and heritage tourists
- Improved environment with cleaner air, quieter streets, and preserved landscapes
Backed by Regional Priorities
Our draft proposal supports the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (2025), which calls for:
- Reducing car dominance in neighbourhoods
- Cutting vehicle emissions and improving air quality
- Restoring biodiversity and protecting heritage landscapes
- Making green spaces safer and healthier for residents and visitors
It also aligns with the Bee Network strategy for active travel and Tameside Council’s climate emergency commitments.
Have your say
This proposal is designed to start the conversation with Tameside Council about making our roads safer. But before it is formally submitted, we want to hear from residents and the wider community.
Your feedback will shape the proposal and strengthen the case we put forward.
Thank you
Together, we can make Park Bridge safer, cleaner, and more welcoming, while still ensuring visitors can enjoy the heritage and natural beauty of our village.