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GMP Unveils Enhanced Road Safety Strategy

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 17:48 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Manchester, UK - January 30, 2026 - Greater Manchester Police (GMP) today unveiled a significantly enhanced road safety strategy aimed at reducing collisions and safeguarding vulnerable road users. The initiative comes in response to a concerning rise in incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists across the region, resulting in serious injuries and, tragically, fatalities.

The new strategy, described by GMP as a 'reassessment of approach,' moves beyond traditional enforcement methods and incorporates a multi-faceted plan involving increased officer presence, technological advancements, collaborative partnerships, and targeted awareness campaigns. Chief Inspector Mark Bird, of GMP's Traffic Command, emphasized the force's commitment: "Road safety remains a paramount concern, and we are fully dedicated to making Greater Manchester's roads as safe as they can be. The recent spike in collisions involving vulnerable individuals has underscored the urgent need for a more proactive and strategic response."

Unmarked Vehicles and Increased Enforcement to Deter Dangerous Driving

A key component of the revised strategy is the increased deployment of unmarked vehicles. GMP believes this tactic will effectively deter speeding and other forms of dangerous driving by making it more difficult for offenders to anticipate and avoid detection. While visible police presence remains crucial, the element of surprise offered by unmarked units aims to capture drivers engaging in risky behavior that they might otherwise suppress when a marked police car is present. This isn't simply about issuing fines; it's about fundamentally altering driver behavior, according to sources within the Traffic Command. The force expects this initiative to significantly reduce instances of excessive speed, particularly in areas known for high pedestrian and cyclist activity.

Focus on Vulnerable Road Users: A Proactive, Preventative Approach The strategy places particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users. This goes beyond reactive responses to accidents and embraces a proactive, preventative philosophy. GMP is allocating increased resources to understanding the specific risks faced by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists and tailoring enforcement and education efforts accordingly. This includes analyzing collision data to identify 'hotspots' and patterns of risky behavior, and deploying officers to those areas accordingly. The force is also exploring initiatives such as dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings in consultation with local councils to improve road infrastructure.

Collaborative Partnerships: A Unified Front for Road Safety

Recognizing that road safety is a shared responsibility, GMP is actively strengthening its partnerships with local authorities, schools, community groups, and road safety charities. This collaborative approach will facilitate the delivery of comprehensive road safety education programs targeting all road users. Partnerships with schools will focus on educating children and young adults about road safety from an early age, while initiatives aimed at older drivers will address potential age-related challenges. GMP is also working with businesses to promote safe driving practices among employees who drive as part of their job. A representative from the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign stated that they welcome the increased focus on vulnerable road users and the emphasis on collaborative working, but stressed the importance of tangible improvements to cycling infrastructure to truly make a difference.

Beyond Enforcement: Long-Term Vision for Safer Roads

While increased enforcement and technological solutions are integral to the new strategy, GMP acknowledges the need for a long-term vision focused on creating a safer road culture. The force is committed to continuous monitoring and evaluation of the strategy's effectiveness, adapting its approach based on data analysis and feedback from stakeholders. Furthermore, GMP is actively participating in national discussions regarding road safety legislation and advocating for stricter penalties for dangerous driving offenses. The hope is that this holistic approach will not only reduce the number of road accidents but also foster a greater sense of responsibility and awareness among all road users, leading to a sustainable improvement in road safety across Greater Manchester. Future initiatives under consideration include advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) education programs and a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.