New AI cameras record drivers on their phones

More than 150 motorists were recorded breaking the law during a 12-hour period

New AI cameras have been installed in vans that film motorists using their phones while driving, or driving without wearing a seatbelt.

During a 12-hour survey in March, South Gloucestershire Council found 150 people were not wearing seatbelts and seven motorists who were distracted by their mobile phones.

The council's road safety education manager, Pamela Williams, said: "We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour."

Figures show 425 people were injured on roads in South Gloucestershire in 2023, of whom 69 were seriously injured or died.

The project is part of the council’s aim to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries

Mounted artificial intelligence (AI) technology was attached to vans during the survey. The devices looked into passing vehicles and analysed whether motorists were breaking road laws.

If a likely offence was identified, the images were sent on to be reviewed by at least two specially trained highways operators. No fixed penalty notices were issued and where no offence was detected, the images were automatically deleted.

The authority said it was using the technology for surveying purposes only, and not for enforcement.

Road safety officer, Dave Adams, was involved in the first survey in the area. He said: "This is a survey so we can understand driver behaviour that will actually fit in with other bits of our road safety strategy to help make our roads safer."

Ms Williams said: "distracted drivers" or those "not wearing seatbelts are contributory factors in people being killed" on the roads.

“Working with our partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people."

Fatalities 'remain high'

Dr Jamie Uff, Aecom's lead research professional managing the deployment of the technology, said: “Despite the efforts of road safety organisations to change behaviour through education, the numbers of people killed or seriously injured as a result of these unsafe driving practices remains high.

"The use of technology like this, makes detection of these behaviours straightforward and is providing valuable insight to the police and policy makers.”