THE EXACT punishment drivers will face if caught on new AI cameras that “see inside your car” can be revealed.
The new high-tech kit is operational from today in the Greater Manchester area as part of 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.
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.
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”.
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.
It’s claimed AI cameras can 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, the Mail reports.
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.
If any offences are detected, the image will be saved and sent off immediately to the police force responsible for that stretch of road.
This includes offences committed by passengers, such as distracting the driver through mobile phone use.
And, of course, they can also tell when you’re going over the speed limit.
Motorists could face a sizeable £1,000 fine or six points on their licence if they’re caught by the new cameras for using their mobile phones while driving.
Kids not wearing a seatbelt will get the driver a £500 fine.
There’s a £100 fine on the spot for not wearing a seatbelt.
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.”
This could see more drivers receiving fines, licence points and bans for crimes that would previously have gone undetected.
A trial of similar tech in Cornwall last year saw a whopping 300 Brits caught out within just three days.
Since then, the cameras have been tried out in areas including Greater Manchester, Sussex and Durham with similar results.
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 RAC has backed the move, saying that a “lack of enforcement” was making UK roads more dangerous for law-abiding drivers.
The club’s 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.”
