New AI safety cameras trial to expand across Britain

National Highways and police forces across the country are set to extend a trial of new mobile technology which can automatically detect motorists who are not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

It has been announced that ten police forces will be using the new technology as part of an ongoing trial that began in 2021.

The police forces taking part in the trial are Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police, and Sussex.

Using AI, the cameras captures and processes footage of drivers that could be using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel or driving without a seat belt on.

The cameras, which are mounted on the side of the road to a vehicle or trailer – are positioned higher than traditional speed or traffic cameras in order to catch drivers who are committing either of the two offences.

In fact, Department for Transport (DfT) data showed that 400,000 drivers a year still use a mobile device when behind the wheel.

During the initial trials, National Highways sent offenders warning letters informing them of the dangers of their behaviour.

Their research found that drivers are four times more likely to be in a crash if they use a phone while driving – and are twice as likely to die in a crash if they aren’t wearing a seatbelt.

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In partnership with Texas-based multinational infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, the success of the initial trial has led to an extension until March 2025.

The aim for the police forces involved is the trial is to learn more about how the technology could work on National Highways roads and inform a possible future roll-out nationwide.

The agency also revealed that there are currently plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries on motorways in the regions where the trial is being extended.

This means that they would have an unobscured view of all lanes.

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis 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.

“What’s more, we know from RAC research that drivers are widely supportive of tougher enforcement of the law around handheld mobile phone use, with nearly half of these (47%) saying that camera technology like this is the best way of doing so.”