Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has signed a contract with Jenoptik UK to upgrade almost a hundred spot speed cameras across the region with state-of-the-art technology to help improve road safety.
Funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF), the project aims to encourage better driver behaviour by creating a better network of modern safety cameras, which will help to maintain the benefits of existing locations; and contribute towards reductions in speeding and collisions.
Currently there are 237 local authority roadside safety cameras in Greater Manchester, including 153 spot speed safety cameras (11 of which form part of 2 urban average speed routes) and 84 red light cameras at junctions.
Work on the new scheme, which will upgrade 144 spot speed cameras on local authority roads with new technology, will start this summer.
Around three-quarters of these 91 cameras are on Bee Network active travel routes to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.
The project’s second phase will see the introduction of 25 average speed routes to replace existing speed cameras and enforce speeding over a larger area, alongside the removal of 53 existing speed camera locations. Tenders for the second phase are currently being assessed.
Future consideration will be given to the replacement of the remaining 84 red light cameras.
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Last year I recommended the region move to adopt the Vision Zero approach which means we reach a point where no one is killed or seriously injured on Greater Manchester roads.
“A key part of being able to adopt this approach is being able to tackle road crime effectively and speeding is one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on Greater Manchester’s roads.
Superintendent Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team said: “The new and upgraded speed cameras across the city-region will ensure that drivers adhere to road speeds and do not engage in reckless or anti-social driving.
“Speed limits are put in place to ensure our roads are safe. Excessive speeds increase the chances of driver error, increase the time it takes for a vehicle to stop and can also increase fatalities in the event of a collision.
“I would like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester and the Mayor’s Office for continuing to work with GMP to help tackle these issues.
“GMP will not allow the safety of our roads to be compromised by dangerous drivers, and appropriate action will always be taken against offenders. To report any information or crime, call police 101 or in an emergency call 999. There is also the option to report online at www.gmp.police.uk.”
John Piper, Sales Director at Jenoptik UK said: “We are delighted to be working with Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police to aid in the Vision Zero approach for the area.
“The VECTOR-SR systems represents the latest non-invasive spot speed camera technology and will continue and enhance the safety of the upgrade locations.”
(Picture – Jenoptik)
