Fears over cars using roads 'as a racetrack'

CONCERNS are mounting that two picturesque villages are turning into hotspots for reckless driving.

- BY JON MACPHERSON AND JAMIE GREER

Last month, police were called to the Rainford Bypass following reports of cars 'using the road as a racetrack'.

Although the bypass is a busy dual carriageway that connects Ormskirk to St Helens, it runs close to the small rural settlements of Bickerstaffe in West Lancashire to Rainford.

Upon their arrival, officers clocked a red Volkswagen hurtling along at 135mph. The motorist was pulled over and the vehicle impounded. It was also revealed that the driver had previously received a Section 59 warning. Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 gives police the power to halt and confiscate vehicles if they're being used in a manner that could disturb the public.

Since then, the Advertiser has been told that behaviour is becoming increasingly common.

Locals report that the bypass is often the scene of perilous speeding over a five-mile stretch from Bushey Lane in Rainford to the M58 roundabout, with claims of groups numbering up to 100 gathering for races.

The road is on the border of Lancashire and Merseyside, with both police forces working to tackle the issue.

Lynn Wilson, 63, is appalled by the speed of the cars travelling down the road. She said: “I actually witnessed it one late afternoon. A car came flying past me.