Drivers could soon be handed fines of up to £70 at a handful of local junctions if Manchester City Council is granted new powers.
Following a recent change in legislation that allows local authorities to enforce moving traffic offences, like blocking yellow boxes and banning certain turns, Manchester City Council has now selected seven sites across the city where it would enforce such restrictions – which are already in place, but police do not have the resources to enforce.
If these powers are approved by the government, the Council will launch a six-week public consultation on the scheme before it would come into effect.
Enforcing these powers would come into effect in May 2023 if approved.
An initial list 15 sites identified based on suggested ‘problem areas’ provided by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the Council, and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) – with five potential trial sites then selected to create a shortlist, which was presented to councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting earlier this year.
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Although the committee was supportive of the scheme, it suggested that a range of restrictions are included in the trial – which would allow the Council to learn more from it.
The seven sites Manchester City Council has identified to exercise powers, should they be approved, are as follows:
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Cheetham Hill Road / Elizabeth Street – No right turn
Stockport Road – Box junction & no right turn
Princess Parkway / Palatine Road – Yellow box
Great Ancoats Street / Oldham Road / Oldham Street – Yellow box
Ashton Old Road / Chancellor Lane / Fairfield Street – Yellow box
Wilmslow Road / M56 junction 6 – Ahead Only
Kirkmanshulme Lane / Mount Road – Compulsory left turn / Yellow box
Drivers could soon be handed fines of up to £70 at a handful of local junctions if Manchester City Council is granted new powers / Credit: Google Maps
By using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at these proposed seven sites, first-time offenders would receive warning letters before the full £70 fine is issued, and any £70 fine would be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of the offence.
The Council says it’s hoped that dealing with “inconsiderate driving” will help public transport across the city by removing blockages, and potentially improving air quality too.
What’s next? How soon could drivers be handed fines?
If these seven sites are approved this week, then Manchester City Council will launch a public consultation lasting at least six weeks this autumn, and once objections are considered, the Council could then apply for the powers in November and would expect to gain approval from the government by May 2023.
If the Department for Transport (DfT) approves the application, then it means these offences would be decriminalised, and enforcement duties would be transferred to the Council.
The seven sites were all identified based on suggested ‘problem areas’ / Credit: Google Maps
What driving offences won’t be included?
These powers do not include enforcing speeding offences, red light violations, and cycling on the pavement – which all still remain a matter for the police.
When it comes to bus lanes, which Manchester is known for having a fair few of, any surplus income from penalty charge payments must only be used to cover enforcement costs, for highways or public transport.
Manchester City Council has said it will consider extending the enforcement trial in autumn 2023.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
15th September 2022 
