New AI cameras have caught hundreds of motorists committing driving offences in the first two weeks the machines have been in action, data has revealed.
Figures following the trialling of the cameras in places across the UK show how effective the machines have been in cracking down on road safety.
The Express reports the new high-tech software can detect whether drivers are using their mobile phones behind the wheel or not wearing a seat belt.
A whopping 849 traffic offences were recorded over two separate week-long trial periods in March and June. The new technology picked up a staggering 533 drivers not wearing a seat belt in a major safety risk.
Two of these were children under the age of 14 not wearing any seat belts while sitting in the front passenger seat. Meanwhile, a further 301 motorists were found using their mobile phones while behind the driver’s seat.
A further 13 drivers were observed by the cameras for not being in proper control of their vehicles. The figures were obtained by motoring experts Cinch through a Freedom of Information request.
Humberside Police has confirmed the cameras would be used again after a successful trial with the tools set to be introduced “sporadically throughout the year”.
Ian Robertson stressed the findings were “disappointing”. However, he stressed that new technology was “important” in a battle to reduce casualties.
The Safer Roads Humber (SRH) spokesperson said: “At Safer Roads Humber, we are always looking at ways to make our roads safer and prevent death and serious injuries. It is disappointing that so many road users chose to use their phones or not wear their seat belt in our area, putting themselves and others at risk.
“The use of new technology is important to change road user behaviour to reduce casualties as far as possible, whilst working alongside traditional methods.”
Ten police forces have been trialling AI cameras in recent months in a bid to crackdown on road safety. The AI tools are either mounted to vehicles or fitted to designated trailers and parked by the side of the road.
Police forces which have used the tools include Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Thames Valley Police, Norfolk and Sussex.
RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams has previously warned it was “vital” cameras were set up correctly and road users were able to challenge any penalties. He added: “Some drivers may criticise these cameras for unwanted snooping.
“But the reality is that these days the police increasingly rely on technology to catch drivers breaking the law – after all, it’s impossible to have a police officer stationed on every street corner.”
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