There's a new type of camera being rolled out on Greater Manchester's roads - and it can help police spot more dangerous driving than before. Motorists are used to traditional speed cameras which flash if a vehicle is driven past them above the limit.
But now new 'ultra cameras' are being introduced which are more advanced than the previous ones. Drivers are being warned to watch out for the new devices, or risk facing the consequences.
The VECTOR-SR cameras are being rolled out as part of work to eliminate all road fatalities and serious injuries in Greater Manchester. Like previous cameras, they will be painted yellow and be in operation 24 hours a day.
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That's where the similarities end though. Unlike older style cameras, the new cameras do not require panted lines on the road. They also use infra-red low-light technology, meaning they will no longer flash at speeding drivers.
And unlike traditional cameras, which only capture vehicles in the left-hand lane, the new devices capture traffic on both sides of the road. Greater Manchester Police says the cameras solely catch speeding drivers and are not processed using artificial intelligence.
However, if you are caught breaking the speed limit, the cameras can pick up other offences - such as the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, or not wearing a seatbelt. GMP would then be able to prosecute the driver for multiple offences.
Superintendent Gareth Parkin, of GMP’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. Nationally there were 1,711 fatalities last year and nearly 19,000 since 2012, which is more harm than knife crime.
"Regionally 73% of collisions involve human error, individual responsibility is key if we are going to make a difference hence our approach targeting speeding drivers." The cameras, developed by Jenoptik, have been funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) to improve road safety and support Greater Manchester’s commitment to Vision Zero, the plan to eliminate road deaths.
Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Highways, said: “Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and speeding is the leading cause of fatal road injuries which have a devastating impact on people’s lives. 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.
“However education is just as important as enforcement when it comes to tackling speeding, and I would strongly advise drivers to consider their behaviour when on the road to keep themselves and others safe.” Supt Parkin added: “GMP will not allow the safety of our roads to be compromised by dangerous drivers, and appropriate action will always be taken against offenders."
