New speed cameras for Manchester will not flash at drivers

Speeding drivers in Greater Manchester are being warned that they are more likely to be caught as part of changes to how safety cameras are used in the region.

The VECTOR-SR cameras, developed by Jenoptik, have been funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) to improve road safety and support Greater Manchester’s commitment to Vision Zero, the aim to eliminate all road fatalities and serious injuries.

Like previous cameras, they will be painted yellow and will be in operation 24/7, however they will look different to the older equipment.

Unlike older style cameras, the new ‘ultra’ speed cameras do not require panted lines on the road. They also use infra-red low-light technology, meaning they will no longer ‘flash’ at speeding drivers.

Motorists are being urged to look out for them as, unlike traditional cameras which only capture vehicles in the left-hand lane, they capture two-way traffic.

Despite common misconceptions, the cameras solely catch speeding drivers and are not processed using artificial intelligence (AI). However, if you are caught breaking the speed limit, you could also be prosecuted for other offences such as the use of mobile devices behind the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team said: “The new and upgraded speed cameras across the city-region will ensure that drivers adhere to road speeds and do not engage in reckless or anti-social driving.

“Speed limits are put in place to ensure our roads are safe. Excessive speeds increase the chances of driver error, increase the time it takes for a vehicle to stop and can also increase fatalities in the event of a collision.

“Nationally there were 1,711 fatalities last year and nearly 19,000 since 2012, which is more harm than knife crime. Regionally 73 per cent of collisions involve human error, individual responsibility is key if we are going to make a difference hence our approach targeting speeding drivers. 

"I would like to thank the Mayor’s Office and Safer Roads Greater Manchester for continuing to work with GMP to help tackle these issues.

“GMP will not allow the safety of our roads to be compromised by dangerous drivers, and appropriate action will always be taken against offenders. To report any information or crime, call police 101 or in an emergency call 999. There is also the option to report online at www.gmp.police.uk.”

Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Highways, added: “Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and speeding is the leading cause of fatal road injuries which have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

“By investing in these safety cameras, we are underlining our commitment to Vision Zero, our ambition to reduce and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads, therefore making Greater Manchester a safer place for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists.

“However education is just as important as enforcement when it comes to tackling speeding, and I would strongly advise drivers to consider their behaviour when on the road to keep themselves and others safe.”