New AI-powered roadside cameras are now being rolled out across England to catch drivers breaking the law by using their phones or not buckling up. The trial of this technology is expanding to ten more police forces, with talks of making it a nationwide initiative.
Here's how it works: these cameras film every passing driver and then use AI to determine if any offenses have been committed. Footage of drivers obeying the rules is deleted, while images of offenders are sent to local police for action.
The consequences are serious: not wearing a seat belt can lead to a fine of up to £500 and penalty points on your licence. Using a mobile phone while driving can result in six points on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000.
Last year, a trial in Devon and Cornwall caught nearly 300 offenders in just three days using cameras attached to parked vans. Offenders received warning letters. National Highways reports that using a phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash, and not wearing a seat belt doubles the risk of death in a crash.
The police forces involved in the trial include Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police, and Sussex. Recently, South Gloucestershire also deployed these cameras, primarily for research purposes.
National Highways plans to mount these cameras on gantries "to give an unobscured view of all lanes".
Matt Staton, head of national road user safety delivery at National Highways, emphasised, “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
