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.
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour
Emily Sergeant
Lorde has announced she’s heading out on a massive world tour later this year, and of course she’s stopping off in Manchester.
The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter undeniably burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 16 with her runaway number one hit ‘Royals’ all the way back in 2013, and has been successfully cementing herself as a household name ever since.
Following her debut single, she has gone on to break several records with the releases of her first three studio albums.
She has also scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way.
Lorde is set to play a massive Manchester gig at the AO Arena later this year / Credit: Supplied
The 28-year-old – who is known and loved for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting – has recently delighted fans by confirming that she’ll be releasing her fourth studio album, titled Virgin, towards the end of next month, and not long after that highly-anticipated release is when you’ll be able to catch her taking to one of Manchester‘s biggest stages.
Fans of the critically-acclaimed pop star will be able to grab tickets to see Lorde when she performs at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of the Ultrasound Tour.
Other major UK cities she’ll be stopping off at include London, Birmingham, and Glasgow – making this a somewhat exclusive ticket to get your hands on.
Tickets are set to go on general sale next week, following several pre-sales in the days leading up to it.
Support for Lorde’s Manchester gig is to come from equally-revered singer-songwriter and record producer, Dev Hynes – better known by his stage name, Blood Orange – who is believed to have lent several co-production credits to Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album.
Fellow producer Jim-E Stack will also provide support in Manchester.
Lorde will be taking to the AO Arena stage here in Manchester on Saturday 15 November, and tickets officially go on general sale next Friday 16 May at 10am.
General sale follows two pre-sales – a Three+ Presale on Wednesday 14 May, followed by an AO Arena-specific Presale on Thursday 15 May, both going on sale again at 10am.
Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale here.