New AI speed cameras will be monitoring motorists for more than just speeding, as they can now detect if drivers are using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts. The innovative AI-powered cameras have the ability to issue fines of £200 and six penalty points for those caught using a mobile phone while driving, and £100 fine for not wearing a seatbelt, with the penalty increasing to £500 if prosecuted. These trials are currently being conducted in ten police forces in England, where 590 drivers were caught without seatbelts and 40 using their phones within just a few weeks.
According to a spokesman from car repair finance expert Bumper, these new smart cameras are not like traditional speed cameras as they aim to crack down on distractions behind the wheel, rather than just monitoring speed. The initial results from the trial have shown the effectiveness of this technology in promoting road safety. The programme, initiated in 2024, has expanded to include areas such as Durham, Greater Manchester, and Sussex. The aim is to reduce accidents by penalising drivers for simple errors like not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones while driving. The system utilises multiple cameras to capture different angles of the driver and passengers, with artificial intelligence analysing the footage to identify speed-related offences.
While the AI-powered cameras can flag violations, it is important to note that fines are only issued once the flagged offences are reviewed and verified by police officers. This additional layer of review by human officers ensures that fines are issued accurately and fairly. The expansion of this technology to more police forces across England signifies a step towards leveraging AI for enhancing road safety measures and reducing road accidents. Despite the introduction of this advanced technology, the role of human oversight remains crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the issued fines.
By targeting behaviours such as not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving, these AI-powered cameras contribute to promoting safer driving habits among motorists. The ability of the cameras to detect these specific offences reflects a proactive approach to address common driver distractions that can lead to accidents. As the trials progress and more motorists are held accountable for these violations, the hope is that the overall road safety will improve, creating a safer environment for all road users. The implementation of AI in speed cameras not only serves as a technological advancement but also as a tool to enforce compliance with important road safety regulations.
The development of AI-powered cameras that can detect offences beyond just speeding marks a significant advancement in road safety technology. By targeting key behaviours that contribute to road accidents, such as not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving, these cameras have the potential to deter risky driving practices and promote safer roads. As the trials continue and more drivers are caught violating these regulations, the impact of this technology on road safety will likely become more evident. This new approach to monitoring driver behaviour highlights the importance of leveraging technology to enhance road safety measures and ultimately save lives on the road.