AI cameras detect nearly 19,000 road offences in two-week trial

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:18 · Archive

AI-powered cameras in the West Midlands detected almost 19,000 traffic offences in two weeks, including drivers using phones and children unrestrained.

Almost 19,000 traffic offences were captured by AI-powered cameras during a two-week trial launched by West Midlands Combined Authority. The cameras, developed by AECOM/Acusensus and already used by local authorities across the UK, automatically detect driving violations and take photographs when offences are spotted. Human operators then review the images and have the power to issue fines.

The images revealed motorists using phones at the wheel and passengers, particularly children, without proper seat belt restraints. Some photographs showed toddlers unrestrained in vehicles and parents using phones while driving. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the number of people risking their own lives and those of others, including young children, was 'frankly shocking and far higher than we expected when setting up the trial'. He reminded drivers that the law is clear on both seat belts and mobile phone use while driving.

How it is being reported

• AI road cameras that can see inside vehicles detect 19,000 offences in just two weeksAlmost 19,000 traffic offences have been identified in just two weeks after the installation of new traffic cameras equipped with artificial intelligence. West Midlands Combined Authority launched a new AI-powered road safety trial to crack down on motorists breaking road rules. Within just two weeks of launching, the AI-equipped cameras captured just under 19,000 images of people using their phones at the wheel or not wearing their seat belts. The damning results have prompted West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to remind drivers of the dangers of failing to follow basic road rules. TRENDING…GB News · 12 Oct, 12:00
• 'Frankly shocking' breaches of road rules detected in AI technology trialMotorists have been caught driving with children on their lap and both hands on their phone rather than the wheel in a trial of AI-powered cameras.Sky News · 12 Oct, 03:13

In this story: West Midlands Combined Authority · AECOM/Acusensus · Richard Parker · West Midlands

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