NEW AI cameras that can catch drunk drivers in the act have been rolled out, with footage revealing the exact moment they were installed.
The state-of-the-art tech, developed by Acusensus, works by scanning passing cars for tell tale signs of impaired driving.
New footage spots officers carefully placing the cameras at strategic roadside locations in Devon and Cornwall.
Swerving, dodgy speeds, or even erratic braking – the cameras spot it all and instantly alert nearby police, who swoop in for a closer look.
In just minutes, the sleek, high-tech kit is live and ready to sniff out offenders.
So far the cameras have been successfully set up in Staffordshire, Greater Manchester and Devon and Cornwall.
The trial, which ran through December, was part of Vision Zero South West’s push to slash drink and drug-driving incidents.
With over 14,000 miles of road to cover, Devon and Cornwall Police say the cameras are a game-changer in helping their stretched teams tackle dangerous drivers.
The AI cameras analyse passing vehicles, looking for signs of impaired driving such as swerving or erratic speeds. If suspicious behaviour is detected, the system sends an alert to nearby police officers.
Officers can then stop the vehicle and carry out roadside tests for alcohol or drugs. The cameras are mobile, allowing them to be set up in high-risk areas identified through police intelligence.
Based on proven technology used to catch mobile phone and seatbelt offences, these cameras act as a “digital cop,” helping officers target dangerous drivers more effectively.
Superintendent Simon Jenkinson explained: “Our officers can’t be everywhere, but these cameras allow us to target resources where they’re needed most.
“We’re working closely with Acusensus to make sure the system is spot-on.”
The AI doesn’t just hand out instant penalties. Instead, it mimics the instincts of experienced officers, flagging behaviour that raises red flags.
Police then pull the vehicle over for further checks, which could include on-the-spot drug and alcohol tests.
Geoff Collins, Acusensus’ UK boss, said the cameras are designed to save lives.
“Too often, we only realise a driver was impaired after a collision,” he said.
“This tech lets us act before someone gets hurt.”
But Collins also stressed the balance between safety and privacy.
He said: “This isn’t about Big Brother watching your every move.
“It’s about responsibility. When you’re driving two tonnes of metal, it’s not just your life on the line.”
The trial follows the success of Acusensus’ “Heads Up” cameras, which have already nailed thousands of drivers using phones or dodging seatbelts.
In Greater Manchester, over 3,200 offences were clocked in just five weeks.
Nine police forces across the UK have also trialled the innovative technology.
These include Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
With drink-driving convictions on the rise, police say this new tech could be a powerful deterrent – and the video footage proves it’s ready to roll out nationwide.
Elsewhere, a group of scientists are on their way to creating the world’s most perfect car – with more help from AI.
By poring over the data of 8,000 3D car designs and their aerodynamics, the tech experts are many steps closer to designing a more efficient and eco-friendly motor.
Drink driving is illegal and can put yourself and others at danger.
Drivers are 6 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, if they have 50-80 mg alcohol per 100ml blood, compared to 0ml.
46% of drivers are more likely to be at fault in road collisions, if they have 10mg alcohol per 100ml, compared to 0ml
They are also 3 times more likely to die on the roads, if they have 20-50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood, compared to 0ml.
