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
#NEWS | More than 100 spot speed cameras around Greater Manchester upgraded.
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.
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.
“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
How will the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales work?
Emily Sergeant
All licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone – helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you’re buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you’ve left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that ‘it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]’ and that physical ID will ‘still remain a valid way’ for customers to prove their age.
“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out,” she concluded.
Featured Image – Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)
News
Manchester to host G20 Summit in 2027 with more than a dozen world leaders descending on the city
Emily Sergeant
Manchester has been confirmed as the host city for the G20 Summit next year.
It was already announced back in November last year that the G20 Summit would be coming to the UK in 2027, and plans were apparently already being discussed to host it in Manchester even before Andy Burnham became Prime Minister and Number 10 North was set up.
But now, ahead of this year’s leaders’ summit being held in Miami in December, it has been confirmed that the G20 Summit will arrive in Manchester in November 2027.
Manchester is said to have been picked to host the leaders’ summit because of its ‘cultural heritage’.
Bringing together 19 of the world’s largest economies and two major multilateral bodies – the European Union and the African union – G20 members who will be invited to attend the summit next year make up 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population as a whole.
Manchester has been confirmed to host the G20 Summit in 2027 / Credit: 10 Downing Street | Paul Kagame (Flickr)
G20 members are also some of the UK’s closest economic partners, the Government insists.
17 of the UK’s top 20 global export markets attend the summit, as do 18 of the UK’s top 20 sources of foreign direct investment.
The presidency of the G20 is currently held by the US but will pass to the UK after the leaders’ summit hosted by the president at his Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in December.
The 2027 summit will be held at Manchester Central, it has been confirmed, and other locations across the UK will also host other G20 events as part of the year-long presidency, but these are yet to be announced.
Emily Sergeant -
15th November 2023 
