Preston, UK Traffic Cameras: 650+ Live Cams

Preston, the administrative center of Lancashire, is one of the most significant transportation hubs in Northern England. Situated at the crossroads of the M6, M55, M61, and M65 motorways, the city is a vital node for traffic moving between London, Scotland, and the coastal resorts of Blackpool. This high density of high-speed highways makes Preston a critical area for real-time traffic monitoring.

With over 650+ live cameras integrated into the TrafficVision platform, drivers can now scan the entire Preston road network before starting their journey. Whether you are heading south towards Manchester via the M61, commuting to Wigan, or traversing the Tickled Trout bottleneck, our real-time feeds provide the visibility needed to avoid delays.

Strategic Crossroads: The Preston Road Network

Preston’s location makes it one of the most vehicle-dense areas in Lancashire. According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025, Preston experiences an average congestion level of 43.4% across the city, reflecting the high demand on its road infrastructure. During the evening rush hour, a 10km drive through the city center typically takes nearly 28 minutes, highlighting the need for live traffic updates.

The Tickled Trout interchange (M6 Junction 31) is legendary among North West drivers. As the main crossing point for the River Ribble and a major entry point for the A59, it frequently experiences severe queuing that can back up for miles onto the main carriageway of the M6.

High-Capacity Corridors and Daily Flow

The stretch of the M6 passing through Preston is one of the most heavily used in Great Britain. Collectively, UK motorways accounted for over 70.2 billion vehicle miles in 2024, and the Preston corridor is a significant contributor to this total. The sheer volume of traffic at the intersection of four major motorways creates unique challenges for daily navigation.

For those traveling between Preston and Manchester, the car journey typically takes 40-50 minutes via the M61, but during peak hours, this can easily extend to 75 or 90 minutes. Real-time monitoring through our 650+ live street cameras allows commuters to see the ground truth of these delays and make informed decisions about whether to take the motorway or an alternative route like the A6.

Real-Time M6/M55 Feeds

High-frequency images from the North West's busiest merge points.

Blackpool Route Tracking

Monitor the M55 for holiday traffic and major events at the coast.

City Center Insights

View congestion on the A6 and A59 arterial routes in real-time.

Route Builder

Plot your commute to Manchester or Wigan and see every camera along the way.

Navigating Lancashire: Key Routes and Hotspots

Beyond the motorways, Preston’s local roads are the arteries that keep the city moving. The A6 Preston Lancaster Road is a major north-south link that carries thousands of vehicles daily through the heart of the city.

The A59 and A583 Corridors

The A59 provides a vital link between Preston and Blackburn to the east, and Southport to the west. Similarly, the A583 Riversway is the primary route heading west towards the Fylde coast and the Preston Docks. These routes are frequently used by local commuters and can experience significant localized congestion at peak times.

The Guild Wheel and Inner Bypass

While Preston’s road network has been improved with inner bypasses, the city’s historic core and the geography of the River Ribble create natural bottlenecks. Using the TrafficVision interactive map, you can zoom into these specific neighborhood interchanges to see if the morning rush is starting early.

How TrafficVision Enhances Your Journey

TrafficVision takes the guesswork out of navigating the M6. By aggregating feeds from 650+ live cameras, we provide professional-grade visibility for everyday drivers.

Route Builder for Cross-County Travel

If you are traveling from Preston to London, Scotland, or simply across to the East Coast, the Route Builder is your best friend. Plot your journey across the M6, M61, and M65, and see every camera in sequence. This allows you to visually verify roadworks, weather conditions, and accident scenes that automated GPS apps might not yet have updated.

Grid View for Daily Monitoring

For those who drive the same route every day, the Favorites feature allows you to bookmark your most critical cameras. By using the Grid View, you can scan these feeds in seconds, giving you an immediate overview of your entire commute before you even leave your driveway.

Safety and Weather in the North West

The North West of England is known for its variable weather, which can significantly impact motorway safety. Surface water and spray are common on high-speed sections of the M6 and M55 during heavy rain, while morning fog can settle in the Ribble Valley and impact visibility at the Tickled Trout.

According to data from the Road Safety Foundation, real-time visual information is a key factor in reducing driver stress and preventing secondary accidents. TrafficVision provides this essential visibility for free, ensuring every driver has the data they need to stay safe on Preston’s busy road network.