A new speed camera has been installed in Oldham on a major road near Tim Horton's.
The speed camera has been installed on A62 Manchester Road, as part of a TfGM scheme to install and upgrade speed cameras across the borough.
More than 20 crashes have been recorded on the section of road near Tim Horton’s from 2011 to 2021, according to the Government’s STATS19 data.
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The speed cameras are funded through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, and aim to ‘encourage better driver behaviour by creating a better network of modern safety cameras’.
Photonics company Jenoptik UK has been contracted to supply the upgraded cameras.
Some social media commenters raised concerns about the new cameras, stating that they would be equipped with artificial intelligence.
The world’s first AI speed camera was introduced on the A23 in Lambeth, South London, in May.
As well as spotting speeding offences, the cameras, created by Redspeed International, can detect drivers using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.
However, Transport for Greater Manchester told The Oldham Times that the upgraded cameras do not include this technology.
The ‘VECTOR SR’ speed camera has automatic number plate recognition.
The manufacturer says the cameras use radar technology to take image and video recordings, even at night or in bad weather conditions.
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Commenting ahead of the scheme’s launch in May, 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.”
Also commenting in May, GMP safer transport’s superintendent Gareth Parkin 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.”
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 system represents the latest non-invasive spot speed camera technology and will continue and enhance the safety of the upgrade locations.”
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