Highways England engineers are busy implementing a new security measure that will aim to deter metal thieves along busy stretches of the M60 and M62 in Greater Manchester.

Approximately 140 litres of SmartWater is being used to coat cables along a 17-mile stretch of the motorways network between junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and junction 20 of the M62 at Rochdale.

Project manager at Highways England Paul Hampson commented: "We're investing millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on the smart motorway scheme in Greater Manchester so it makes sense for us to do all we can to protect that investment.

"The technology we're installing will help bring an end to the stop/start conditions many of us have experienced in rush hour traffic by using variable speed limits to stop people slamming on their brakes when they reach queueing traffic, causing tailbacks behind them."

Mr Hampson added that thieves that steal cabling coated with SmartWater will be tracked by police and apprehended when they attempt to sell their stolen wares.

In total, more than 50 miles of cabling are being used as part of the construction efforts for the new smart motorways scheme, with metal theft having been a considerable problem for contractors in recent months.

It is hoped this new measure will act as a significant deterrent for potential thieves in the future.