Using technology to tackle serious crime

Overview

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras originally installed across Greater Manchester for a proposed charging-Clean Air Zone that is now not going ahead could be used to help tackle crime and keep communities safe.

We are seeking views on the proposal to transfer ownership of these ANPR cameras to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), changing their primary use.

GMP can already use information and number plate images from these cameras but currently needs to request permission. This takes time and can limit their effectiveness and usefulness.

The proposed change means that these cameras would join GMP’s existing ANPR system, allowing officers to act more quickly in real-time to help keep our communities safe.

The proposals would:

• Bring the size of GMP’s ANPR coverage across the Greater Manchester region in line with that of comparable metropolitan police forces.
• Help tackle traveling criminals, organised crime groups and terrorists.
• Prevent serious, neighbourhood and vehicle-enabled crime.
• Significantly increase the positive outcomes delivered through GMP’s investigations.
• Support victims of crime and protect the wider public.

About ANPR cameras

ANPR cameras are not speed enforcement cameras, do not have biometric or facial recognition technology, and are not used for these purposes.

Instead, cameras read vehicle registration numbers and can be used to instantly check them against a national database records of ‘vehicles of interest’, known to be associated with crime and terrorism.

GMP already uses ANPR to help prevent, detect and investigate murders and other violent crimes, sexual offences, robbery and burglary, reduce antisocial behaviour and for finding vulnerable missing persons. They are not used to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for speeding.

Data from the ANPR cameras will continue to be used to understand the types of vehicles on local roads to monitor the effectiveness of the government approved investment-led Clean Air Plan and to support transport planning.

This proposal will allow GMP to make better use of and get good value out of this existing infrastructure to help keep people and communities safe.

Your views will help shape a final proposal for the ANPR cameras, with the aim of keeping Greater Manchester as safe as possible to live, work and drive in.

A decision on their future use is expected by the end of 2025.