Greater Manchester’s speed cameras have been criticised for “falling behind” after it was revealed many cameras are inactive. 

Transport for Greater Manchester said speed camera enforcement is a ‘last resort,’ with other engineering solution considered in order to maintain public support for enforcement.

In many cases, cameras have been said to have been left disconnected, having never been updated with newer, digital cameras.

Transport for Greater Manchester said it is replacing speed cameras across the city-region.

A total of 147 cameras across Greater Manchester are due to be replaced by Spring 2024.

A TfGM spokesperson said: “The Safer Roads Partnership is committed to reducing incidents of speeding across Greater Manchester and uses a range of tactics to do so.

“Speed camera provision in Oldham and Greater Manchester remains an effective tool in helping to reduce the risk of danger presented by speeding motorists. 

“However, it should be noted that fixed roadside safety cameras enforcement should be considered as a last resort, after the speed limit has been reviewed in line with DfT guidance and all other engineering solutions have been considered, to maintain public support for enforcement.

“As part of a long-term strategy to upgrading speed cameras across the city-region, TfGM, on behalf of GM local authorities, has identified funding and is progressing a proposal to replace existing speed safety camera technology at 147 locations. 

“Subject to completion of the tender process, we anticipate the project starting early in 2023 with the first phase completing in Summer 2023 and the second phase in Spring 2024.”

Cllr Howard Sykes, who sits on Greater Manchester’s Transport Committee, criticised the inactive cameras in response to a report on road safety recently presented to the Committee.

The ward councillor for Shaw, said: “Speed cameras are put in place for a very good reason. 

“Not only do they prevent accidents, but they also save lives.”

The committee heard that Greater Manchester saw an increase of eight per cent in the number of people who have been killed or seriously injured in the last year. 

Councillor Sykes said: “The first priority in tackling these shocking road casualty figures should be to make sure that all the existing speed cameras are fully operational.  People expect our roads to be kept safe.

“Greater Manchester bosses now tell me the cameras will be operational by August 2023. 

“These ongoing delays are just not good enough. This could mean somebody’s life. 

“The authorities need to show far more urgency on this issue.”   

Update: This article previously stated that 147 cameras are inactive. 147 cameras are being replaced, but are not necessarily inactive.