DRIVERS have been warned they could be slapped with a £1,000 fine and six penalty points as AI cameras are rolled out across ten UK areas.
Although a trial for the new devices began in 2021 National Highways are now expanding their network to clamp down harder on unsafe motorists.
GettyNew AI cameras are being rolled out across the UK and will be able to pick up more than just speeding offences[/caption]
The cameras work by automatically detecting drivers who are in breach of the law by flouting seat belt regulations or being on their phone while at the wheel.
Fixed to vehicles or trailers the advanced recorders boast multiple lenses which can capture various angles of both the driver and their passengers.
Any data captured undergoes scrupulous processing before being forwarded to police.
Drivers found to be on the wrong side of the law are notified through warning letters.
The expanded trial will run until March 2025 and will see esteemed police forces take part.
We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour
Matt Staton
Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police, and Sussex are all trialing the new technology.
Shocking findings from police research show that drivers using mobile phones while at the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a pile up.
And those who don’t wear a seat belt face a twofold increase in fatality risk in the event of a crash.
Head of National Road User Safety Delivery, Matt Staton, said these offences were “key factors” in the number of people killed or injured on the road.
He added: “Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people.
“We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.
“We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well.”
It comes as a major car brand looks set to release 30 new models and new AI driving technology by 2026.
Nissan is hoping to boost sales with its Arc Business Plan, which will see 16 new EVs and 14 traditional diesel motors hit the market in the next three years.
The Japanese manufacturer is hoping the move, which will be bolstered by a fresh development and manufacturing approach, will make electric motors more affordable to motorheads.
The stalwart carmaker will adopt the Nissan Intelligent Factory concept, which is Nissan’s manufacturing process to achieve carbon neutrality.
It comes reports that Nissan and Japanese rival Honda are set to join forces to make EVs as they seek to head off aggressive competition from new rivals.
What do AI cameras check for?
This includes passengers not wearing seat belts and “distracted driving” or drivers on their phones.
According to police research motorists using phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a road collision.
And people with no seatbelt on are two times more likely to die in a car crash.
Not wearing a belt may cost road users up to £500 while using a mobile device when driving could see them slapped with a £1,000 fine and six penalty points.
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