Average speed cameras to be installed on A56

Motorists using the A56 through Sale and Stretford will soon face upgraded speed enforcement as part of a Greater Manchester-wide safety initiative. The latest-generation average speed cameras will replace existing fixed speed cameras on two busy sections of the route, funded through the Mayor's Challenge Fund and coordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership. The new cameras will monitor two key locations: A56 Washway Road/Cross Street between Woodhouse Lane and Dane Road in Sale, and A56 Chester Road/Talbot Road between White City Way and Great Stone Road in Stretford.

Unlike traditional speed cameras, the new average speed systems monitor how long vehicles take to travel between two set points using automatic number plate recognition technology. Images are only retained and sent to Greater Manchester Police if a driver exceeds the speed limit, with data from law-abiding motorists automatically deleted. The cameras use infra-red lighting, meaning there's no visible flash when vehicles are photographed.

Research shows average speed cameras help improve traffic flow by encouraging more uniform speeds, reducing harsh braking while also improving air quality and cutting emissions.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "We hope that the presence of the new safety cameras will promote compliance with the speed limit. In an ideal world, zero speeding would be detected. The best way to avoid a fine or penalty is to observe the speed limit."

Drivers caught speeding face fixed penalty notices of at least GBP100 plus three licence points. Depending on the recorded speed, some may be offered a speed awareness course instead of points, though this option is only available once every three years. The Trafford locations are among 25 routes across Greater Manchester receiving the camera upgrades.

Specialist contractor Jentopik will carry out the installation work, which is scheduled for completion in November.