MOTORISTS face a frustrating go-slow as more roads get the Traffic calming treatment in a road safety step-up.

One of Leigh's main arteries -- Holden Road -- is undergoing alterations which will interrupt traffic flow following a number of accidents over the past few years.

Holden Road has been the scene of 15 accidents in the past three years-- in which 21 people, included three pedestrians and two cyclists, were injured.

Now highways chiefs are installing two mini roundabouts and six pedestrian refuge islands with speed cushions in a bid to cut accidents.

They hope traffic calming measures will reduce vehicle speeds, noise and fumes and reduce parking at places that may encourage accidents, such as close to junctions.

And in Atherton slow-down schemes have been partially introduced in Hamilton Street with further highway chicanery in Gloucester Street.

The Holden Road calming scheme has been modified and this week Leigh East ward Cllr Brian Jarvis explained how original plans for more mini roundabouts had been altered to speed cushion humps.

"I'm sure that the traffic calming measures will reduce road accidents in this area," he said.

And this week parking restrictions were introduced in The Avenue near Leigh Infirmary resulting in a meeting between concerned residents, Trust chief Sheena Cumiskey, local councillors and MP Andy Burnham.

Strong objections

Yellow lines come two years after an original Traffic Order was passed following strong objections after the introduction staff car parking charges at the hospital resulted in more on-street parking.

"Local residents feel the restrictions don't go far enough," said Cllr Jarvis. "It is all right the Trust implementing this Green Transport policy to encourage people to use public transport, but it isn't being co-ordinated."

And MP Mr Burnham said: "I don't disagree with the Green Transport principle but staff have no alternative but to use their own cars because the area is so poorly served by public transport."