A shocking new research study has found that 46% of speed cameras in England may not even be operational.
This equates to almost half of all the speed cameras currently on England’s roads.
The research – which comes from dash camera manufacturer, Road Angel, and is all according to freedom of information requests (FOI) answered by 25 out of 44 UK police forces – found that, despite the fact most motorists will immediately adjust and lower their speed the second we see a bright yellow speed camera, we probably don’t need to do so as there’s nearly a 50% chance the camera’s not even working anyway.
When it comes to the areas of England where the least speed cameras are in operation, Northamptonshire has come out on top, as the research found that all eight fixed speed cameras in the region were inactive.
Derbyshire has more fixed speed cameras out of action than any other region (93), with only 20 of the 113 across the county capable of catching speeding motorists.
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New study finds almost half of all speed cameras in England are inactive / Credit: The AA | Josh Turpie (via Unsplash)
Along with Derbyshire, Essex (110), and Devon and Cornwall (110), are the regions with the highest number of fixed speed cameras – however, each region currently has at least 40% incapable of catching speeding drivers.
Staggeringly, only two police forces that responded to the FOI request had all speed cameras working.
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At the other end of the spectrum, all speed cameras in Suffolk are operational, with the next best region being the West Midlands – which currently has only 5% of its speed cameras standing inactive, meaning that 62 out of 65 devices are currently operational.
“If a camera is inactive and remains so for many months or even years at a time then it begs the question, why is it there?,” Road Angel founder, Gary Digva, commented on the findings from the new research study.
“Yes, it may still play a part in encouraging traffic to slow down, but it could also act to distract drivers and potentially cause an accident.
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It’s all according to freedom of information requests (FOI) answered by 25 out of 44 UK police forces / Credit: Jenoptik & TfGM
“Our view is that if cameras are present then drivers should be able to feel assured that they are working. If they are non-operational then they should be removed, and that is why we are calling on police forces and local authorities across the country to carry out an audit of cameras and remove any non-operational devices as quickly as possible.”
Speeding drivers were warned they’re more likely get caught, as although these new ‘spot speed’ VECTOR-SR cameras – which are developed by Jenoptik, and have been funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) – are are also painted an eye-catching bright yellow and will be in operation 24/7 like the speed cameras were all familiar with, they do work slightly differently.
Unlike older-style cameras, these 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.
Featured Image – Andrew Pym (via Flickr)
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Emily Sergeant -
19th December 2023 
