Using technology to tackle serious crime - Consultations

Have your say on Greater Manchester Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras

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.

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

How do GMP already use ANPR and how what would the proposal do?

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.

For more information about how to take part in the consultation and what ANPR cameras do, please visit the Greater Manchester Combined Authority consultation webpage.