New AI cameras will spot when drivers are on their phones or not wearing seatbelts – Wales Online walesonline. The national trial has been implemented to ensure safer roads. Motorists could face a hefty fine if they are caught on their phones while driving by new cameras. The artificial intelligence cameras have been designed to catch out drivers on their phones as well as those not wearing their seatbelts.
National Highways and nine police forces are continuing to trial the new cameras from next week until March 2025. The forces using the cameras are in Durham, Greater Manchester, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley, and Sussex. The cameras are made to capture footage of passing vehicles and to detect whether a driver is using their phone while driving or if someone in the car is not wearing a seatbelt. This is done through two photographs, reports The Mirror.
Rod Dennis of the RAC 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.” Data from the cameras will be used to find out how many drivers break the law, according to Safer Roads Greater Manchester.
The Department for Transport predicts 400,000 drivers in the UK break the law every year by using a mobile phone while driving. Offences of driving while using a phone and not wearing a seatbelt can be punished with a £1,000 fine and six points. The implementation of AI cameras marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and enforcing traffic laws to protect all road users.