Park Bridge Road safety is more important now than ever. This time of year always brings more dangerous driving conditions, darker evenings, wet roads, and limited visibility through the winding lanes. But for those who live, walk, run and ride here, the problem goes far beyond the weather.
Far too many drivers continue to use Park Bridge as a cut-through, often travelling well above safe speeds, ignoring the recommended 20mph maximum, and showing little regard for pedestrians, cyclists, runners and horse riders. The result has been multiple serious collisions in 2025, including a tragic fatality, and a growing sense of anger and concern among residents and visitors alike.
Park Bridge is a historic village, a conservation area with sites of biological importance, not a shortcut. Locals are united in calling for respect, patience, and responsibility from everyone who uses these roads.
Darker Days, greater risk
With shorter days and longer nights, visibility is at its worst during morning and evening commutes. According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), around one in three road collisions happen between 3pm and 7pm, when light levels are low. Across Greater Manchester, pedestrian and cyclist casualties also rise by more than 30% between October and December.
TfGM’s road safety campaign reminds everyone: “If you can’t see them, they can’t see you.”
That message is especially relevant here in Park Bridge, where narrow bends, blind hills, tree cover, and a lack of street lighting mean every driver must stay alert and ready to stop.
For drivers: Show respect, slow down
If you drive through Park Bridge for work, leisure, or as a visitor, please remember that this is a lived-in community, not a bypass.
• Treat 20mph as a maximum, not a target
• Expect to meet pedestrians, cyclists, or horses around every bend
• Avoid tailgating or overtaking, there are no safe passing points
• Keep headlights, mirrors, and windscreens clean, and check bulbs regularly
• Make eye contact with pedestrians or cyclists before passing, it could save a life
Even a few miles per hour slower can mean the difference between life and death.
For walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders
While most responsibility lies with drivers, everyone should take extra care at this time of year:
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dusk and dawn
• Walk facing traffic when there’s no pavement
• Cyclists, use front and rear lights and keep reflectors clean
• Avoid wearing headphones on the road.
• Horse riders, use high-visibility gear, stay in single file when possible and don’t be distracted by a mobile phone
By staying visible and aware, we can all help reduce risk.
A message from the community
Park Bridge’s beauty lies in its peace, heritage, and close connection to nature, but that also makes the roads fragile and unforgiving. Every reckless driver puts lives, wildlife, and the fabric of our village at risk.
Residents and visitors are tired of dangerous driving and are continuing to work with Tameside Council, Greater Manchester Police, and local partners to secure a long-term solution for road safety in the area.
Until then, the message from Park Bridge is simple: Slow down. Drive safely. Respect our village.
Because the next collision could cost more than just a few minutes saved, it could cost a life.