The new camera uses AI technology to identify drivers who aren’t wearing a seatbelt or are using a mobile phone while driving. Within the first three days of launch, the camera has detected nearly 300 offences. The technology was implemented thanks to a road safety firm called Acusensus, in conjunction with Vision Zero South West.
Protecting Roads With Modern Technology
The group in question is a collection of organisations which are working across Devon and Cornwall. They aim to try and cut down on the number of serious injuries and deaths in the region, ultimately reducing that number to zero.
At the moment, the experimental camera is located on the A30 near Launceston. All of the images that are taken are reviewed by a team of experts before a conviction is brought against someone.
The benefit of a camera system like this is that you can move it however you want. This means it can be redeployed at different places across Devon and Cornwall to catch people who are committing driving offences.
Expert Opinions
Naturally, the aim of the project is to prove that AI can be used to catch driving offences, and with that in mind, it has attracted a lot of attention.
Adrian Leisk is the Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, and had this to say:
“We are employing this new technology to send a clear message to anyone who continues to use their phone behind the wheel – you will get caught. Whether it’s by the Acusensus cameras, a passing officer or on video footage submitted through Op Snap, the result will be the same and you will end up with a hefty fine and six penalty points – which could be enough to cost some drivers their license and livelihood”.
Meanwhile, Alison Hernandez is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and also the chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. She had this to say on the matter:
“Last year 48 people were killed and 738 were seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads – and that is why road safety is one of four priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
We know distracted driving is a common cause of collisions, which is exactly why it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. We also know that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death for drivers in a road collision by around 50% - yet almost a third of the people who died in UK car collisions in 2021 were not wearing a seat belt, the highest level recorded since recent records began.”