A new AI speed camera is being tested that can scan drivers inside their cars to see if they’re using a mobile phone or wearing their seat belts.
The Redspeed camera, which is currently on the A23 in Lambeth, South London, uses 4D radar technology to check if drivers are breaking the law, whilst it can also detect if there are too many people inside a vehicle.
The technology can monitor six lanes of traffic at one time and can be instantly linked to the DVLA and police databases to also check vehicle tax and insurance.
RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said, “While some drivers may criticise these cameras for unwanted snooping, the reality is that these days the police increasingly rely on technology to catch drivers breaking the law – after all, it’s impossible to have a police officer stationed on every street corner.
“When it comes to drivers using handheld phones illegally, we also know from research that drivers are broadly supportive of camera-based technology being used to enforce the law.
“Having said that, given the increasing sophistication of cameras and the potential for AI to play a role in the future, it’s absolutely vital these cameras are set up correctly and there’s an easy means of drivers challenging penalties and fines which they think are unwarranted.
“Drivers who stick to the speed limit and obey the law have nothing to worry about regardless of what cameras are in place. It’s also worth remembering that – unlike in other countries – all cameras have to be painted yellow, so they’re plainly visible to drivers.”