The Highway Regulation Committee of Oldham Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss several objections to proposed traffic calming and waiting restrictions across the borough. The committee was scheduled to consider objections related to a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on Huddersfield Road in Diggle, proposed waiting restrictions and extended school keep clear markings at Fir Bank Primary School in Royton, and proposed waiting restrictions on Hobson Street in Failsworth. Additionally, a petition requesting a residents-only parking scheme on Hedges Street in Failsworth was also on the agenda.

Objection to Proposed 20mph Speed Limit and Traffic Calming Measures – Huddersfield Road, Diggle

The committee was scheduled to consider objections to the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures, specifically speed cushions, along Huddersfield Road in Diggle. These measures were proposed as a condition of a new housing development by Redrow Homes. Objections raised concerns about increased noise, potential damage to vehicles, the visual impact on the rural village, and the effectiveness of speed cushions in deterring speeding. Some objectors also highlighted that the proposed speed limit did not extend to areas near the local primary school and nursery. The report pack indicated that the recommendation was to approve the original proposal, including the speed cushions.

Objection to Proposed Waiting Restrictions and Extension of School Keep Clear Markings – Fir Bank Primary School, Grasmere Road, Royton

A significant number of objections and a petition with 147 signatures were scheduled to be considered regarding proposed waiting restrictions (no waiting 8am – 6.30pm) and an extension of school keep clear markings outside Fir Bank Primary School on Grasmere Road, Royton. Objectors expressed concerns that the restrictions would reduce on-street parking, displacing vehicles onto neighbouring streets and exacerbating existing parking issues. They argued that the primary cause of obstruction was parents and school staff parking on the road, rather than the school coach needing access. The report pack indicated that officers recommended dismissing the objections and proceeding with the proposed restrictions, stating that on-street parking is not a guaranteed provision and that the measures would improve safety and access for the school coach.

Objection to Proposed Prohibition of Waiting – Hobson Street, Failsworth

The committee was scheduled to consider objections to proposed Prohibition of Waiting (PoW) restrictions in the Hobson Street area of Failsworth. The original proposal aimed to address concerns about delivery vehicles accessing local businesses due to on-street parking. Objectors raised concerns that the loss of parking would further pressure limited spaces and negatively impact residents. Officers acknowledged these concerns and proposed a relaxed option, including the installation of bollards and a revised waiting restriction from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, on certain sections of Hobson Street, while maintaining at any time restrictions at junctions. The recommendation was to approve this relaxed proposal with additional bollards.

Petition for a Residents Only Parking Scheme – Hedges Street, Failsworth

A petition signed by 50 residents of Hedges Street, Failsworth, was scheduled for discussion. The petition requested the introduction of a residents-only parking scheme due to alleged inconsiderate parking by non-residents, blocking driveways and pavements, and causing the road to become dangerous. The report indicated that the Director of Environment advised that Hedges Street did not meet the council's strict criteria for residents-only parking schemes, which require evidence of a significant ongoing problem. The recommendation was not to introduce a residents-only parking scheme.