TfGM: No AI facial recognition in new Oldham speed cameras

Transport bosses would not provide a full list of the new cameras to The Oldham Times, but social media users have reported seeing them going up around the borough.

One of the new cameras has been installed on Manchester Road, and others have been spotted on Broadway and in Shaw.

There was speculation from some online that the new cameras had AI technology.

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 has assured this is not the case with the new Oldham cameras, which are manufactured by photonics company Jenoptik UK.

A new speed camera being installed on Manchester Road, near Tim Horton's (Image: Facebook)

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A TfGM spokesperson said: “The specification of the safety cameras does not include artificial intelligence or facial recognition. The safety cameras are Home Office Type Approved for speed enforcement, and this approval does not enable the use of artificial intelligence or facial recognition. 

“Furthermore, there are no plans or intention to enable artificial intelligence or facial recognition for the equipment installed.” 

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The new ‘VECTOR SR’ speed cameras have 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.

The installations come as part of a Greater Manchester-wide scheme to upgrade more than 100 cameras.

The first phase will see 144 spot speed cameras upgraded. The second phase, yet to start, will see the introduction of 25 average speed routes, alongside the removal of 53 existing camera locations.