Now AI cameras being used to catch drink drivers in Britain: World-first trial is underway in these two counties – here’s how they work…Its the same tech used to catch motorists without seatbelts and using phonesBy FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL
Updated: 10:39 EST, 16 December 2024
AI cameras are being used by police to catch motorists over the legal alcohol limit during as part of new anti-drink driving trials in the South West.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs could be caught by the same AI cameras already used at the roadside to catch hundreds of motorists a day who fail to wear seatbelts or break the law by handling their mobile phones while driving.
Devon and Cornwall has launched this world first trial in a bit to prevent accidents.
It’s the latest initiative from the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership’s campaign, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the region’s roads.
The cameras will be in-situ throughout December while the trial takes place as the crackdown on Christmas party season intensifies.
AI cameras are being used in Devon and Cornwall to catch drink drivers as part of a anti-drink driving safety campaign
The AI cameras – developed by Australian firm Acusensus – use cloud-based algorithms to analyse image data from passing cars to look for indicators that the driver might be impaired by drink or drugs.
If the cameras believe someone is driving under the influence, the software will alert officers waiting further down the road as part of the annual crackdown on drink drivers during the festive season.
At this point, the police will stop the car and ask the motorist to undergo roadside testing to prove they adhere to the legal limit.
Geoff Collins, of Acusensus, said: ‘We are delighted to be conducting the world’s first trials of this technology right here in Devon and Cornwall.
‘We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives.’
The police force using the technology warns that drivers under the influence are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
AI traffic cameras can be attached to vehicles or trailers so they are easily movable to different parts of the region
Explaining that ‘officers cannot be everywhere’ Superintendent Simon Jenkinson, – whose team polices the 14,000 miles of roads across Devon and Cornwall – said: ‘Camera technology helps us to target operational resources in an effective way, where intelligence informs our deployment.’
The AI cameras can be easily moved to any road in either county very quickly because they can be mounted to a trailer or vehicle which leave drivers unaware of where the cameras might be located.
‘As members of the road safety partnership, we’re committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads’, Jenkinson said.
Pushing back against the violation of privacy arguments, Collins told Auto Express: ‘If people say "it’s big brother" and "we should be able to make our own decisions’," I strongly disagree when it comes to two tons of metal and when my kids might be in the car coming in the other direction.
‘There are rules of the road, and there’s a responsibility that comes with a car.’
Are AI cameras an invasion of privacy? The rollout of AI cameras for catching drivers using their phones or drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts has the backing of many safety organisations.
Rod Dennis, from 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 that 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.’
AI-powered cameras previously used in Devon caught 117 people using their mobile phones in just three days
On the other hand, privacy groups are fighting back, calling AI cameras ‘intrusive and creepy’.
Jake Hurfurt, from privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Unproven AI-powered video analytics should not be used to monitor and potentially criminalise drivers.
‘This kind of intrusive and creepy surveillance which treats every passer-by as a potential suspect is excessive and normalising. It poses a threat to everyone’s privacy.
‘People should be free to go about their lives without being analysed by faceless AI systems.’
How effective are AI cameras? A driver caught using his phone at the wheel – as captured by an AI-powered camera. The footage is then examined by a member of staff to confirm whether the software is correct and an offence has been committed
Freestanding AI cameras on the A30 near Launceston in Devon had caught 117 people using their mobile phones while driving in a 72-hour period in July.
A further 130 people were snapped not wearing their seat belt.
In July 2023, Hampshire and the Thames Valley police detected almost 500 offences in a week after using a van with AI cameras mounted on it.
Positioned on the A34 and A303 as part of a National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign, the Acusensus ‘Heads Up’ vehicle caught motorists using their phones, not wearing seat belts and driving under the influence of drugs.
A total of 86 drivers were suspected of using a phone. Some 273 motorists or passengers were suspected of not wearing a seat belt and a further 132 mechanical offences identified.
After checks by a member of staff were carried out, five arrests were made.
Which regions have AI cameras to catch drivers using mobile phones? National Highways and police forces across England have extended an ongoing trial that began in 2021 and will now run until March 2025.
The 10 police forces taking part in the rollout are Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The trial is aimed at helping police forces to understand how AI technology could work on National Highway roads and shape any nationwide rollout.
In the future, AI cameras would be attached to gantries on motorways in the trial regions.
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