RAC Welcomes New AI Cameras On UK Roads

The modern smartphone is a versatile gadget and full of apps centred around messaging, chat, video clips etc. Much of that content can be very distracting for drivers and lead to an accident. The same could be said of the large touchscreens fitted by manufacturers of course, where three separate taps – and glances – on a menu can be required to alter a setting, or check map directions. A dangerous distraction, which is perfectly legal.

Some might say the modern vehicle Head Up Display, which puts speed or mpg etc in the windscreen is another bad idea, since it requires the driver to re-focus their eyes to read the info. But again, this distraction is perfectly legal. 

No question, smartphone use on the move is dangerous. People should not do it, but human nature means lots of us cannot ignore ping alerts for messages, or incoming calls. So detecting people using handheld personal devices at speed is a good move for general road safety.

See the camera trial in Devon and Cornwall here, which has an interesting stat on the lack of seat belt usage too;

It also means issuing lucrative fixed penalty notices, points on licences and more revenue, which is why Councils and regional governments are rolling out more sophisticated cameras to spy on drivers. They need more cash – fact. So expect to see camera drones skimming traffic jams in a few years times, as politicians realise that a potential 1000 fine victims are stuck on the M25 and checking for an alternative route. 

Here’s some comment from the RAC;

Following reports of trials of new safety cameras that use Artificial Intelligence to detect drivers behaving illegally, including using handheld mobile phones while driving, RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“Despite the penalties for using a handheld phone having doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, it’s clear far too many drivers are still prepared to put lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous practice. We suspect a major reason for this is a lack of enforcement, meaning many drivers have no fear of being caught.

“AI-equipped cameras that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a chance for the tide to be turned. The police can’t be everywhere all of the time, so it makes sense that forces look to the best available technology that can help them catch drivers acting illegally. What’s more, we know from RAC research that drivers are widely supportive of tougher enforcement of the law around handheld mobile phone use, with nearly half of these (47%) saying that camera technology like this is the best way of doing so.”