HUNDREDS of drivers are being caught out scrolling on phones or not wearing seatbelts in a major trial of AI cameras.
The devices can “see inside your car” to check whether you are paying proper attention to the road as well as just measuring your speed.
Several police forces across the country have trialed new AI cameras[/caption]
Police forces across the country are participating in a test-run of the tech to see how effective it is at improving road safety.
Campaigners argue that, while speeding remains a key issue, mobile phone use and other unsafe driving habits still represent a significant risk.
The new cameras use AI to detect whether a driver is holding a phone or wearing a seatbelt, while simultaneously checking their speed.
If any violations are spotted, the image is recorded and sent off to a human operator for double-checking.
Once an offence has been established, the registration information is recorded and a penalty notice is sent out to the owner of the vehicle, just like a normal speeding ticket.
Police forces including Durham, Greater Manchester and Humberside have all previously taken part in the trial, with startling results.
One camera managed to catch out 1,000 drivers in just one week in July along the A1 (M) in Durham.
Similarly, a trial down in Cornwall last year saw motorists fined at a rate of 100 a day.
Other regions, including Staffordshire, Norfolk and Wiltshire have also seen their trials extended to March 2025.
The move has been backed by several motoring and road safety organisations, most notably the RAC.
Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for the RAC, said: “Despite the penalties for using a handheld phone having doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, it’s clear far too many drivers are still prepared to put lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous practice.
“We suspect a major reason for this is a lack of enforcement, meaning many drivers have no fear of being caught.
“AI-equipped cameras that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a chance for the tide to be turned.
“The police can’t be everywhere all of the time, so it makes sense that forces look to the best available technology that can help them catch drivers acting illegally.”
We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour
Matt Staton
The standard, bright yellow speed cameras will remain in these areas – and you can read our full guide on how to spot different types of cameras.
But you might be able to identify the AI versions if you see a second, smaller camera placed on top of its more common counterpart.
Matt Staton, Head of National Road User Safety Delivery for National Highways, said: “We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.
“Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people.
“We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.
“We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well.”
