Drink and drug-driving AI cameras trialled over festive period in England

A range of new artificial intelligence (AI) cameras is being trialled in Devon and Cornwall this month, to detect impaired drivers behind the wheel.

Developed by road safety company Acusensus, this technology identifies driving patterns and behaviours that suggest a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The system sends real-time data to nearby police officers, enabling them to stop the vehicle and carry out further investigations.

These police tests may include roadside testing for alcohol or drugs.

This mobile camera system, based on existing technology for mobile phones and seatbelts, is relocatable and can be deployed in various locations across the region patrolled by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The trial is currently in place, and will be running for the remainder of December.

Alongside the trial, there are a series of new drink-driving campaigns such as Lift Legend, Operation Limit, as well as a new Night Bus services in parts of Torbay and North Devon.

This initiative is part of Vision Zero South West’s ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents and decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Devon and Cornwall's roads.

Geoff Collins, UK General Manager of Acusensus, said: “We are delighted to be conducting the world’s first trials of this technology right here in Devon and Cornwall.

“Driving while impaired is incredibly dangerous and quite often you only find out that a driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs after a collision has occurred.

“We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident which could ruin lives. We believe this technology could be a really important tool in this battle, both detecting and also deterring impaired drivers behind the wheel.”

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Superintendent Simon Jenkinson of Devon & Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Team share his thoughts on the trial taking place across the region.

He said: “Drink and drug driving causes untold levels of harm – both here in Devon & Cornwall and all over the world.

“As members of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, we have committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Embracing emerging technology such as these cameras is vital in that quest.

“We have an expansive road network of nearly 14,000 miles in Devon and Cornwall meaning our officers cannot be everywhere. Camera technology helps us to target operational resources in an effective way, where intelligence informs our deployment.

“We will be deploying the cameras at various locations throughout the region in December and working closely with Acusensus to make sure this system is as accurate and effective as possible.”

In response, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “This innovative use of AI technology has the potential to take drink and drug-driving enforcement to the next level. As the system is based on technology that has already proved successful in catching drivers using handheld mobile phones and those not wearing seat belts, we are hopeful it will do so here too.

“Sadly, drug-driving appears to be a growing problem with DVLA data showing 33,020 British drivers were convicted of the offence multiple times in the 11 years to 20 July 2024*, so improved enforcement might well lead to even more drivers being caught breaking the law.”

^{*Figures obtained by the PA news agency from an FOI to DVLA on DG10 endorsements on driving records on 20 July 2024.}