In a world where technology continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, the realm of law enforcement is no exception. The latest innovation making waves is the integration of artificial intelligence (‘AI’) cameras for detecting motoring offences. The aim of such devices is to enhance road safety and to enforce traffic laws more effectively than ever before.

Currently being trialled in the UK, these high-tech cameras are equipped with sophisticated algorithms that enable them to analyse real-time footage and identify various motoring offences with impressive accuracy.

In particular, AI cameras will efficiently detect:

Failure to Wear Seat Belts:

• AI cameras are capable of identifying instances where drivers, and passengers fail to wear their seatbelt.

The Law: The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 14 are wearing seat belts or using the appropriate child car seat. If a driver fails to ensure that a child passenger is using a seat belt or child car seat where required, they can be fined up to £500. Adult passengers (those aged 14 and over) are responsible for wearing their own seat belts. If an adult passenger is caught not wearing a seat belt, they can be fined up to £500.

Use of Mobile Phones While Driving:

• The AI cameras can recognize drivers using mobile phones while operating a vehicle.

The Law: The penalty for this offence is 6 penalty points and a fine of up to £200 as an out of court disposal. However, if the case proceeds to court, it can attract a level 3 fine (£1000) or level 4 fine (£2500) if it’s a goods vehicle or carries more than 8 passengers.

The Current Position

Notably, the RAC have analysed data taken from a road in Devon and Cornwall. They state that “The state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology has detected almost 300 drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts in just the first three days of being in operation. In total, the new camera detected 117 mobile phone and 180 seat belt offences” (16 August 2023).

It is not yet known if AI cameras will pass the trial period, nor has it been determined when they will be implemented in England if they do. Watch this space!

This article was co-authored by Jade Halliday-Mitchell