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Police are using AI cameras to detect motorists over the legal alcohol limit during new drink-driving tests in the south west.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs could be caught by the same artificial intelligence cameras already used on the roads to detect hundreds of motorists each day who do not wear seatbelts or break the law by handling their phones mobile phones while driving.
Devon and Cornwall have launched this world-first test at a time to prevent accidents.
It is the latest initiative in road safety association Vision Zero South West’s campaign, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the region’s roads.
Cameras will be in place throughout December as the trial takes place as repression intensifies over the Christmas holiday season.
AI cameras are being used in Devon and Cornwall to detect drink-drivers as part of a drink-driving safety campaign.
The AI cameras, developed by Australian company Acusensus, use cloud-based algorithms to analyze image data from passing cars and look for indicators that the driver might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If the cameras believe someone is driving under the influence, the software will alert officers waiting down the road as part of the annual campaign against drink driving during the festive season.
At this point, the police will stop the car and ask the driver to undergo road tests to prove that they comply with the legal limit.
Geoff Collins, of Acusensus, said: “We are delighted to be carrying out the world’s first trials of this technology here in Devon and Cornwall.
“We are all safer if we can detect deficiencies before they lead to an incident that can ruin lives.”
The police force using the technology warns that drink-drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
AI traffic cameras can be attached to vehicles or trailers so they can be easily moved to different parts of the region.
Explaining that “officers can’t be everywhere”, Superintendent Simon Jenkinson, whose team polices the 14,000 miles of roads across Devon and Cornwall, said: “Camera technology helps us target operational resources effectively, where intelligence informs our deployment.”
AI cameras can be easily moved to any road in any of the counties very quickly because they can be mounted on a trailer or vehicle, leaving drivers unaware of where the cameras might be located.
“As members of the road safety association, we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads,” Jenkinson said.
Rejecting arguments about violating privacy, Collins told Auto Express: “If people say ‘it’s the big brother’ and ‘we should be able to make our own decisions’, I totally disagree when it comes to two tonnes of metal and when My children may be in the car coming from the other direction.
“There are traffic rules and a car comes with responsibility.”
Are AI cameras an invasion of privacy?
The launch of artificial intelligence cameras to detect drivers using their phones or drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts is supported by many safety organizations.
Rod Dennis, of the RAC, said: “Despite the penalties for using a portable phone being doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, it is clear that too many drivers are still willing to put their lives on the line. risk when using in this dangerous practice.
‘We suspect one of the main reasons for this is a lack of law enforcement, meaning many drivers are not afraid of being caught.
‘Cameras equipped with artificial intelligence that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer an opportunity to change the situation.
“Police can’t be everywhere all the time, so it makes sense for forces to look for the best technology available that can help them catch drivers acting illegally.”
AI-powered cameras previously used in Devon caught 117 people using their mobile phones in just three days.
On the other hand, privacy groups are fighting back, calling AI cameras “intrusive and creepy.”
Jake Hurfurt, of the privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Unproven AI-based video analytics should not be used to monitor and potentially criminalize drivers.
“This type of intrusive, creepy surveillance that treats every passerby as a potential suspect is excessive and normalizing. It represents a threat to everyone’s privacy.
“People should be free to go about their lives without being analyzed by anonymous AI systems.”
How effective are AI cameras?
A driver was caught using his phone behind the wheel, captured by a camera with artificial intelligence technology. A staff member then examines the images to confirm whether the software is correct and whether a crime has been committed.
Standalone AI cameras on the A30 near Launceston in Devon caught 117 people using their mobile phones while driving in a 72-hour period in July.
Another 130 people were photographed not wearing seat belts.
In July 2023, Hampshire and Thames Valley Police detected almost 500 offenses in a week after using a van with mounted AI cameras.
Placed on the A34 and A303 motorways as part of a campaign by the Council of National Police Chiefs, the Acusensus “Heads Up” vehicle surprised drivers using their phones, without seat belts and driving under the influence of drugs .
In total, 86 drivers were suspected of using a phone. Some 273 drivers or passengers were suspected of not wearing seat belts and another 132 mechanical violations were identified.
Following checks carried out by a member of staff, five arrests were made.
Which regions have AI cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones?
National Highways and Police Forces in England have extended an ongoing trial that began in 2021 and will now run until March 2025.
The 10 police forces taking part in the rollout are Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The trial aims to help police forces understand how AI technology could work on national highway roads and shape any nationwide rollout.
In the future, AI cameras will be installed on highway gantries in the test regions.
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