Police in the Midlands have shared more details about new ‘secret’ AI cameras that are being installed on motorways to catch drivers using their phones. The cameras, which use artificial intelligence, are being turned on along motorways and are expected to make roads safer, BirminghamLive reports.
They will be placed on sections of the M6, M5 and M54 in Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. This is because both Staffordshire and West Mercia police forces are taking part in a year-long trial of the technology. If successful, it could be used across the country.
The technology uses AI to predict if a driver is using a phone at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt, two common causes of crashes on UK roads. In the future, the cameras could be attached to overhead gantries.
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We asked both Staffordshire and West Mercia forces for more information about where the cameras would be located and when they would be turned on. However, senior officers are not sharing further details about the operation of the cameras at this time.
Staffordshire Police and Highways England have said: “We can’t give the location of the cameras because it will risk compromising operational activity and prevent future convictions.”
Pictures of drivers using their phones or not wearing seatbelts will be sent to local police forces, who will then decide what action to take. Drivers could be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt and get penalty points, while using a mobile phone while driving could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.
Matt Staton, National Highways head of national road user safety delivery, said: “We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people.”
“We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.”
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