AI targets dangerous drivers | Cops deploy new technology to make roads safer for all

Devon and Cornwall Police are using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify dangerous driving offences, making roads in the two counties safer for motorcyclists during the coming weeks as thousands of holidaymakers flood into the region.

Three freestanding Acusensus AI cameras are operative across the region’s 13,500-mile road network – the first long-term use of the technology outside Australia where it was initially trialled.

• Related: AI cameras to catch phone users to get national rollout

The system uses two cameras, one to take a front-facing image, the other an overhead view, which are then analysed by AI to ascertain if any offence has taken place. Devon and Cornwall police are particularly keen to catch drivers using mobile phones or driving without seatbelts.

During a two-week trial in February and March Acusensus detected 408 seatbelt and 162 mobile phone offences.

“The vast majority of drivers in Devon and Cornwall are safe, respectful and conscientious motorists – but we know mobile phone distraction and not wearing a seatbelt are a serious danger to all road users,” said Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police. “To those who use mobile phones while behind the wheel, we hope these cameras will send a clear message – you will get caught.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and also chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership had this to say of the system’s deployment on the counties’ roads: “You are four times more likely to crash when using a phone whilst driving, which is why it is illegal.

“By embracing new technology such as the Acusensus system, we have the opportunity to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer for everyone.”

The system will be used in a number of locations around the two counties over the next 12 months.