Over 290 Violations Detected by the UK's Inaugural Autonomous Road Safety Camera in Just Three Days

A new model of road safety camera has been tested on one of Devon and Cornwall's highest trafficked roads and the results have been positive right away.

In the first three days since the inception of the new state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technology, nearly 300 drivers were identified as either using mobile phones or failing to wear their seatbelts.

Altogether, the recently acquired camera recorded 117 mobile phone and 180 seat belt violations.

Acusensus, a road safety technology business, in conjunction with Vision Zero South West, has put into effect a system using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect mobile phone and seatbelt violations. This is the first time this type of technology has been used in the UK.

Organisations from Devon and Cornwall have come together for the purpose of Vision Zero, with the intention of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in the area to none.

At present, the camera is situated on the A30 near Launceston.

Before being used in any judicial proceedings, all images must undergo review by a human.

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It can be observed that the use of social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with many people relying on it for day-to-day communication and entertainment. Today, it is common to find individuals across all ages and backgrounds engaging in social media activities. This pervasive presence of social media has had both positive and negative effects on society.

Nowadays, it is widely seen that social media is everywhere in our lives, with numerous people depending on it to connect and be entertained. People of all ages and backgrounds use social media, and this widespread utilisation has both good and bad consequences.

In 2019, Vision Zero South West ran a 15-day experiment with an Acusensus system installed in vehicles to detect seatbelt and mobile phone violations on roads in Devon and Cornwall. Over the course of the trial, 590 seatbelt and 45 mobile phone offenses were discovered.

The benefit of this new system is that it can be conveniently transported to various locations across Devon and Cornwall.

The objective is to broaden the scope of the initiative and maintain consistent surveillance of some of the most heavily trafficked roads in the area.

Adrian Leisk, the Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, conveyed this message: "This technology is being deployed to let those who use their phones while driving know that they will be apprehended."

Anytime the Acusensus cameras, a police officer, or a video via Op Snap catches you, a steep fine and six penalty points are unavoidable. This could be enough to take away someone's license and source of income.

Before getting underway, store your cell phone in the glove compartment or somewhere you can't grab it to avoid any temptation. In the event of an urgent situation, ensure you have stopped the car prior to making the call.

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and the chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, remarked: "In 2020, 48 people were tragically killed and 738 suffered serious injuries on Devon and Cornwall's roads - which is why I have made road safety a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan."

It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving, as it is a frequent factor in accidents.

It has been established that wearing a seatbelt while driving significantly reduces the chances of dying in a road collision by about half. However, statistics from 2021 demonstrate that an alarming number of fatalities in car collisions in the UK were not wearing a seatbelt - the highest percentage since records began.

The implementation of Acusensus' 'Heads Up' system gives us the ability to abide by the regulations and ultimately make our roads a safer place for all.

What are your thoughts on the new camera system? Should it be implemented across the nation?