AI trial records 19,000 driving offences in two weeks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 00:24 · Archive

An artificial intelligence road safety trial recorded almost 19,000 driving offences in just two weeks across Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

An artificial intelligence road safety trial captured almost 19,000 driving offences in just two weeks. The trial used AI camera technology positioned outside fire stations in Ladywood and Fallings Park in Birmingham and Wolverhampton during March.

At Ladywood, 11,045 potential non-use of seatbelt offences and 1,163 potential mobile phone use offences were identified. At Fallings Park, 6,030 potential seatbelt offences and 757 potential mobile phone offences were recorded. The images documented dangerous driving practices including a driver holding a phone with both hands instead of the steering wheel, and a front passenger holding an unbelted child on their lap. Dozens of further photographs showed children travelling in vehicles without age-appropriate restraints.

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker described the results as "frankly shocking" and far higher than anticipated when the trial was set up. He stated: "The number of people risking their own lives and the lives of others, including some very young children, is frankly shocking." Parker emphasised that the law is clear on seatbelts and mobile phones, and urged drivers to stop taking these risks.

How it is being reported

• Police's AI road safety test reveals 19,000 violations in just two weeksExamples of life-threatening risks taken by drivers included a front-seat passenger seen with a small child on their lap with no seatbelt, and a driver with two hands on the phone rather than on the steering wheelThe Mirror · 12 Oct, 00:06
• ‘Shocking’ AI road safety study picks up 19,000 driving offences in two weeksDrivers caught on their phone and with children unsecured in vehicles in shock studyThe Independent · 12 Oct, 00:02

In this story: Richard Parker · Birmingham · Wolverhampton · Ladywood · Fallings Park · West Midlands

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