News

Drivers warned as more than 100 new ‘ultra’ speed cameras have been installed across Greater Manchester

They work in two directions and no longer flash at drivers.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th November 2023

Speeding drivers are being warned they’re more likely get caught as more than 100 new cameras have just been installed across Greater Manchester.

And they operate very differently to the speed cameras most of us are familiar with.

These new VECTOR-SR cameras – which are developed by Jenoptik, and have been funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) – are designed to improve road safety, all while supporting Greater Manchester’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’ and its ultimate aim of eliminating all road fatalities and serious injuries.

Like previous speed cameras across the region, these new ‘spot speed’ cameras are also painted an eye-catching bright yellow and will be in operation 24/7 – however, they do look a little different to the older equipment.

Unlike older-style cameras, the new ‘ultra’ speed cameras don’t require painted lines on the road, and also use infra-red low-light technology, which means they no longer ‘flash’ at speeding drivers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not only that, but unlike traditional cameras that only capture vehicles in the left-hand lane, these new cameras actually capture two-way traffic, meaning motorists are at risk of being caught speeding no matter what side of the road the camera is on, which is why they’re being urged to stay alert and keep an eye out for the devices across the region.

However though, contrary to popular belief, the cameras are only able to catch speeding drivers and are not processed using artificial intelligence (AI).

ADVERTISEMENT

So while drivers can’t be caught on the cameras engaging in other offences, if they are caught breaking the speed limit, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is warning that they could be prosecuted for other offences, such as the use of mobile devices behind the wheel, and not wearing a seatbelt, in addition to speeding charges.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin, who works on Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team, said speed limits are put in place to “ensure our roads are safe”.

More than 100 new ‘ultra’ speed cameras have been installed across Greater Manchester / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)

He added that the new and upgraded speed cameras across the region will “ensure that drivers adhere to road speeds and do not engage in reckless or anti-social driving”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Peter Boulton, who is Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Highways, added that “any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many”.

“Speeding is the leading cause of fatal road injuries which have a devastating impact on people’s lives,” Mr Boulton continued.

Read more:

“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.”

Featured Image – Jenoptik / TfGM

News

Travel warning issued as Manchester braces for busiest day of the year so far

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Travel warning issued ahead of busiest weekend of the year for Manchester Marathon

A ‘plan ahead’ travel warning has been issued for this weekend as the Manchester Marathon brings the busiest day of the year so far on the tram network.

Tens of thousands of people will hit the streets to take part in the race itself, with thousands more cheering them on from the sidelines.

This year’s Manchester Marathon route takes 36,000 runners through Sale, Stretford and Timperley before finishing up at a new finish line on Oxford Road – and there’ll be some big changes to your usual travel routes to accommodate this.

TfGM has said that Bee Network trams will be very busy before, during and after the 26.2 mile race, especially in Manchester and Trafford, with a number of road closures in place too.

Taking place on Sunday 27 April, the Manchester Marathon will coincide with Manchester’s popular St George’s Day parade which starts and ends across town around Oldham Road and Great Ancoats Street.

People are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully this weekend, as it’s expected to be the busiest day of the year on the Bee Network trams.

The Manchester Marathon last year set a new personal best for the tram network, with 175,000 tram journeys racked up – the highest ever recorded on a single Sunday.

Trams will be the best choice to get around the Manchester Marathon course with key stops along the route including Sale, Timperley and Chorlton.

Many road closures will also be in place but at different times of day, so make sure you check HERE for the latest.

This will impact bus services, which will be on diversion from 8am until the end of service on Sunday, with traffic and congestion expected on surrounding roads.

Runners heading to the start line will only be able to access the athletes’ village from Old Trafford and Trafford Bar tram stops up until 9am. Participants arriving after 9am should get off at Wharfside or Exchange Quay instead.

Metrolink is promising to deploy as many double trams as possible across the network, with additional services between Piccadilly and Timperley.

Manchester Marathon guide 2025 important info

As for other modes of transport, those who wish to drive should make us of Park and Ride facilities where possible; and those on the train should note that Salford Central remains closed with bus replacements in place.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Director at TfGM said: “The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the Manchester city centre calendar and our job is to make sure everyone can get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.

“We want everyone to have a great day – whether they are taking on the run themselves or cheering on a friend or loved one – and would urge people to plan their journey in advance, leave plenty of time and check the Bee Network app or website for the most up-to-date information.

“The start and finish lines will be especially busy so if you are coming to watch you may be better off catching the tram to Sale, Timperley or Chorlton, grabbing a coffee and claiming afront row seat to cheer runners on.

“Using public transport is the best way to avoid congestion and delays – and with Tap and Go contactless payments it’s never been easier or more seamless to get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram.”

Passengers can now travel seamlessly between bus and tram and pay for their journey by tapping on when boarding a bus without the need for a ticket, making it the quickest and easiest way to pay for travel.

People travelling on Bee Network buses on Marathon Day can simply tap in and pay £5 for the day on as many buses as they need and just £4.90 on the tram. You can use all Bee Network buses as much as you want all day from just £5.40*.

Kirsty Wilde, Operations Director, from Manchester Marathon organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “The TfGM tram service is an invaluable part of our event, which allows thousands of participants and supporters to navigate around the city. With a record-breaking 36,000 participants set to take part on Sunday 27th April – and more exciting activities taking place over the weekend as a whole – we’re anticipating a rise in tram journeys, which will subsequently bring economic benefits to local vendors, the hospitality sector, and retail businesses.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We’d like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester for its continued hard work helping to facilitate what will be the largest event yet, and would also like to say a big thank you to the residents and businesses across Greater Manchester for their understanding and support.”

For further information and travel advice visit the dedicated Manchester Marathon page on the Bee Network website.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

News

The viral factory in Oldham that sells £2 Colin the Caterpillar cakes

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A factory in Oldham has gone viral online after sweet fiends discover they sell ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ cakes for less than half price.

There are some things that just go hand in hand: a brew and a biscuit, peanut butter and jelly and Brits and their crazy obsession with a character chocolate cake from M&S called Colin the Caterpillar.

Since hitting the shelves in 1990, more than 15 million Colin the Caterpillars have made their way from supermarket shop floor to our sweet-treat-awaiting plates.

Who would’ve ever guessed that the home to this cheeky chappy, who M&S have made their unofficial mascot (after Percy Pig, of course), has been crafted and created right here in Oldham?

park cakes oldham greater manchester
The utterly delicious Colin the Caterpillar cake which you can get for £2 at Park Cakes.
The shelves at Park Cakes will also be stacked with Colin and Connie The Caterpillar delights.
The shelves at Park Cakes are stacked with Colins and Connies.
Credit: The Manc Eats

Established in 1937, The Park Cake Bakeries – or just Park Cakes, colloquially – has been serving up this critter-inspired cake for over 30 years, and savvy shoppers have flocked to their factory shop to get their hands on some very sweet savings.

There’s a whole range of cakes on offer at this Oldham dessert factory shop, including slabs, sponges, loaves and even sweet pies too.

Whether you’re a firm believer that the birthday person deserves all of Colin’s white-choc face or you precisely cut it up so everyone gets some, Park Cakes has the solution, selling bags of the character’s chocolatey face so you can have one all to yourself.

The cake isn’t the only thing that leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, as the prices will too. Colin the Caterpillar, who normally retails for just under a tenner, is sold for around £2 at this Oldham factory shop.

It’s always the ones that look unassuming, isn’t it?

where is park cake bakeries cheap colin caterpillars m&s outlet
Credit: Google Earth/The Park Cake Bakeries (via Facebook)

Alongside producing one of the most adored cakes in the UK, they’re also responsible for lots more of your favourite supermarket sweet treats, and we’re definitely not complaining.

You can let your sweet tooth go wild in this factory shop as they sell everything from rainbow birthday cakes to sticky toffee puddings.

There’s so much on offer too, how about a giant bag packed to the brim with misshapen golden flapjacks that’ll last you over a week and cost you less than a fiver? Sounds like a plan to me.

If you haven’t had enough of your Easter chocolate fix, why not trek over to Oldham and stock up on even more chocolate and sweet treats? Trust us, there’s plenty to choose from.

Park Cakes factory shop can be found on Ashton Road in Oldham and is open from 10am-4pm, so go and grab yourself a seriously sweet deal before everyone else beats you to it.

Mini Colins, small in size but still packed with all that chocolatey goodness.
Mini Colins, small in size but still packed with all that chocolatey goodness.
Flapjacks and cookie dough bites are just some of the wonderful treats you might be able to get hold of.
Flapjacks and cookie dough bites are just some of the wonderful treats you might be able to get hold of.
Credit: The Manc

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Adam Higgin (via Facebook)

More News

No headphones policy fine Lib Dems proposal

Music

The ‘headphone dodger’ proposal that could see people who play loud music on public transport fined

Boroughs

Middleton to receive a cinema and Metrolink as part of regeneration plans

Audio

Scouting For Girls announce stacked UK tour with Manchester date

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches