NEW AI cameras that can automatically detect drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel will be installed from tomorrow.
The smart technology is due to be installed in the greater Manchester area from September 3 – as part of a wider national trial.
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The new AI cameras will be installed across Manchester as part of a wider national trialCredit: National Highways
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AI-powered cameras have already been installed in Devon and CornwallCredit: National Highways
The state-of-the-art cameras, which can be mounted on a vehicle or trailer, will be installed in several locations throughout the region.
Built by tech firm Acusensus, it claims the AI software will “enable automated detection of drivers using mobile phones while driving to enforce traffic safety laws designed to prevent distracted driving”.
The software, which was first trialled by the National Highways in 2021, works by taking footage of passing vehicles and then running it with AI to detect whether the driver is using their smartphone or not wearing a seat belt.
Two precise photos are taken, one taken at an angle that shows whether the driver has a phone to his ear and whether he is wearing a seat belt.
The second is captured from a deeper angle that can capture whether the driver is exchanging messages on his device.
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Starting in 2021, the National Highways and Police began a trial rollout of AI camera technology – which is due to run until March 2025.
Currently, 10 police forces are participating in AI trials; Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The long-term plan is to attach AI cameras to highway portals in trial regions, but for now the goal is simply to help police understand how AI can be used on the nation’s highways.
However, this technology is not completely dominated by artificial intelligence, as the footage is then reviewed by a human to confirm whether the software has indeed detected that an offense has been committed.
Only after a human check is the driver issued with a fine collection notice.
According to Acusensus, the AI cameras, known as their ‘Heads Up’ software, have the ability to capture images day or night in almost any weather – including sun glare.
AI cameras are claimed to be able to capture drivers speeding, using their phone while driving, not wearing a seat belt, not stopping at red lights, driving without a valid MOT and without insurance, the Mail reports.
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Acusensus claims that any images taken that do not show offense or are inaccurate will be immediately deleted from their archive.
The innovative devices will also be used by Safer Roads Greater Manchester as part of their survey to find out how many drivers are breaking the law.
This could then be used to inform future road safety campaigns around mobile phone use and seat belts.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s network director for motorways, said: “Across Greater Manchester, we know that distraction and not wearing seat belts are key factors in the number of road accidents on our roads that result in people being killed or seriously injured.
“Using this cutting-edge technology provided by Acusensus, we hope to gain a better insight into how many drivers are breaking the law in this way, while also helping to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Greater Manchester is not the first region in the UK to try the technology, as a similar trial in Cornwall last year saw 300 Britons caught in just three days.
The RAC backed the move, saying a “lack of enforcement” was making Britain’s roads more dangerous for law-abiding drivers.
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The new technology is set to be rolled out in multiple locations across the country – including Manchester
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The new technology works by taking two photos at different angles from which the cars can be seen Credit: Acusensus/YOUTUBE
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After a potential violation is detected, the images are then reviewed by a humanCredit: Acusensus/YOUTUBE
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