GMP's Chief Constable on lowering speed tolerance levels

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has reacted to the news drivers could be fined for going one mile per hour over the speed limit - saying he wouldn't support it.

The reports surfaced following discussions at the annual National Police Chief Council.

Ian Hopkins said:

“We all want our roads across Greater Manchester to be safe and to prevent deaths on our roads. Any loss of life on our roads is awful which is why we are looking at a package of measures with agencies to make roads safer.

“The NPCC is looking at the whole issue and not just tolerance levels and I support that. To be clear, I have no intention of lowering thresholds for speeding in Greater Manchester.

“Travelling around Greater Manchester is already challenging. Congestion is amongst the worst in the country and average speeds on our motorways are around 47mph. The train network is facing huge challenges which can force more people onto the roads.

“Hitting motorists with a reduction in the tolerance levels would mean many more of them being fined creating further misery for them.

“Police resources are already stretched and we have to prioritise the most serious incidents and those where someone is vulnerable or at risk. In light of this situation to put such a sharp focus on targeting motorists, when we are struggling to reach many incidents, could alienate people. We have lost 2,000 officers in recent years and would not divert resources into dealing with motorists travelling at 1 or 2mph above the speed limit.”