New AI technology has detected almost 300 mobile phone and seatbelt offences on one of Devon and Cornwall’s busiest roads – in just three days.
Vision Zero South West is utilising the relocatable camera system, provided by Acusensus, on the A30 near Launceston.
In the first 72 hours of deployment, the system detected 117 mobile phone offences and 180 related to seat belts.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “The early results from our latest deployment show that there is also a problem with mobile phone use behind the wheel, which is both dangerous and illegal.
“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.”
The free-standing system, which uses Acusensus’ Heads Up technology, is designed to be easily moved. It will be deployed at various locations across Devon and Cornwall, providing 24/7 monitoring.
Although the cameras use AI to flag up potential offences, all images are subsequently reviewed by a human. If an offence has been correctly identified, the driver can either be sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution, depending on the severity.
Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who chairs the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, said: “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.
“By embracing new technology such as the Acusensus Heads Up system, we have the opportunity to improve compliance with these laws and consequently make our roads safer for everyone.”
Geoff Collins, general manager for Acusensus UK, said: “This Heads Up installation is a significant step towards improving UK driver behaviours, breaking those bad habits that lead to poor decisions and ultimately increased casualties on our roads.”
Last year, Vision Zero South West conducted a 15-day trial of a pilot, van-based system from Acusensus, which detected 590 seatbelt and 45 mobile phone offences across various roads in both Devon and Cornwall.
Comment on this story