NEW AI cameras that can automatically detect drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel are set to be rolled out from tomorrow.
The smart tech is to be deployed in the Greater Manchester area from September 3 – as part of a wider national trial.
The state-of-the-art cameras, which can be mounted to a vehicle or to a trailer, will be set up at several locations across the region.
Built by tech company Acusensus, it’s claimed that the AI software will “provide automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving”.
First trialled by the National Highways in 2021, the software works by capturing footage of passing vehicles which is then run through AI to detect whether a driver is using their smartphone or not wearing a seatbelt.
Two precise photos are taken, one taken at an angle that captures whether or not the driver has a phone to their ear and if their seat belt is being worn.
A second is taken from a deeper angle which can capture if a driver is messaging on their device.
Beginning in 2021, the National Highways and the police began their trial rollout of AI camera tech – which is set to run until March 2025.
Currently, 10 police forces are taking part in the AI trial; Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The long-term plan is for AI cameras to be attached to gantries on motorways in the trial regions, but for now the aim is to simply help police understand how AI can be used on National Highway roads.
The tech isn’t completely dominated by AI though, as the footage is then examined by a human to confirm if the software has indeed picked up an offence being committed.
It is only after the human check that the driver is issued with a penalty charge notice.
According to the Acusensus, the AI cameras, known as their ‘Heads Up’ software, has the ability to capture images during the day or at night in almost any weather conditions – including sun glare.
In a Daily Mail article, it’s claimed AI cameras could capture drivers speeding, using their phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to stop at a red light, driving without a valid MOT and driving without insurance.
Acusensus have claimed that any images captured that don’t show an offence or are incorrect will be deleted immediately from their archives.
The innovative devices will also be used by Safer Roads Greater Manchester as part of their survey to find out how many drivers break the law.
This could then be used to determine future road safety campaigns relating to mobile phone usage and seat belts.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways, said: “In Greater Manchester we know that distractions and not wearing seat belts are key factors in a number of road traffic collisions on our roads which have resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.
“By utilising this state-of-the-art technology provided by Acusensus, we hope to gain a better understanding of how many drivers break the law in this way, whilst also helping to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Greater Manchester isn’t the first UK region to try out the tech, as a similar trial in Cornwall last year saw 300 Brits caught out within just three days.
The RAC has backed the move, saying that a “lack of enforcement” was making UK roads more dangerous for law-abiding drivers.
