A range of new measures aimed at making Manchester’s roads safer and “free of congestion” are being introduced in a few weeks time.
It comes after, around this time last year, Manchester City Council consulted on some proposals that would grant it new powers to enforce Moving Traffic Contraventions (MTCs) across the city-region – which were powers that only the police were able to enforce prior to this.
Making roads safer for those walking or cycling, reducing congestion, and making overall improvements to journey times were some of the measures discussed.
Increased safety and cleaner air around the borough’s schools also formed an important part of the Council’s talks, as did improving air quality overall across Greater Manchester to help make it in-line with the Council’s zero-carbon target.
And from mid-November, some of these proposals will finally start to become a reality.
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New road safety measures are being introduced to make Manchester ‘congestion free’ / Credit: PassMeFast | NIF
To kick things off, from Monday 20 November, the Council has revealed that the contraventions which will be targeted using these MTC powers will be motorists making illegal right or left turns, and the blocking of yellow boxes at junctions – with the enforcements being carried out using ANPR cameras installed at key locations in the city.
The Stockport Road junction with Dickenson Road / Stanley Grove in Longsight is one of the first places where an ANPR camera will be installed.
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Seven locations have been identified in total, with the remaining six to be installed throughout 2024.
The first ANPR camera being installed at this particular Longsight junction comes after there have been four collisions here that have sadly resulted in either serious injury or death – which the Council says shows “the importance of this project”.
The Council has been granted new powers to enforce Moving Traffic Contraventions (MTCs) / Credit: Manchester City Council
Speaking ahead of the new road safety measures being introduced next month, Councillor Tracey Rawlins – who is the Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council – said: “As a Council, we are always looking at ways in which we can improve safety on our roads [as] any accident is one too many, which is why it’s important we explore any measures at our disposal to prevent them.
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“Following a consultation last year, we are looking to utilise our new powers to enforce MTOs across a range of neighbourhoods.
“As well as improving safety we are also keen to improve our air quality – in line with our zero-carbon aims – as well as reducing congestion and journey times.
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
25th October 2023 
