A ‘ground-breaking’ camera system which uses AI to catch drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel is being trialled in Devon and Cornwall.
The technology, which can also detect whether drivers are wearing a seatbelt, is being rolled out on select routes across the two counties over the next two months.
The trial is being funded by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership and overseen by Devon and Cornwall Police in an effort to deter drivers from distractions which can result in serious and fatal collisions.
The system, developed by Australian firm Acusensus, is housed in a vehicle equipped with multiple cameras which record footage of passing motorists.
- Listen: RSGB Talk with Acusensus
Images captured by the cameras are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if motorists were using a handheld mobile phone or if drivers and passengers were without a seat belt. It can also determine the speed a vehicle was travelling at the time.
Any images in which a potential offence is detected are then reviewed by a human. If an offence has been correctly identified, the driver will either be sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution, depending on the severity.
Supt Adrian Leisk, strategic roads policing lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is both dangerous and illegal. It puts the lives of the driver, passengers and other road users at risk – and that is unacceptable.
“Despite repeated messaging and even a change in the law which makes any contact with a mobile phone while driving illegal, sadly there are still some people who continue to ignore the rules.
“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.”
Acusensus will be delivering a presentation at the 2022 National Road Safety Conference.
The presentation will focus on how Acusensus’ enforcement solution is addressing distracted driving and helping reduce road injuries and fatalities.
Key insights, data and trends will showcase how the ‘Heads-Up’ solution has made a real-world impact to significantly change driver behaviour and in turn save lives.
Comment on this story