Revolutionary speed cameras powered by artificial intelligence have been launched on a busy stretch of road to crack down on serious collisions.
The two-camera Jenoptik Distracted Driver Enforcement System uses AI to detect when motorists are using their mobile phones at the wheel, as well as not wearing their seatbelts.
The new cameras have been installed on Gdynia Way near the Cattedown Roundabout in Plymouth, which is situated within an Average Speed monitoring area.
Vision Zero South West explained that the cameras had been installed in response to growing concerns around road safety.
Between 2020 and 2024, there were five serious collisions and 24 slight collisions in the area, prompting the cameras to be introduced.
Two cameras are used to capture front-facing and overhead images to detect mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
Potential offences are detected by AI, although images are reviewed by a human. If an offence is identified, the driver is sent a notice of intended prosecution.
The Jenoptik system is similar to the Acusensus “Heads Up” cameras that have been installed across Devon and Cornwall over the last four years.
The new AI speed cameras have been installed on Gdynia Way in Plymouth
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VISION ZERO SOUTH WEST/GOOGLE MAPS
The Acusensus cameras have been credited for helping slash the number of seatbelt and mobile phone offences in the region.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We don’t want to catch people – we just want motorists to stay safe by wearing a seatbelt and avoid distractions while driving.
“There have been numerous tragic collisions in Devon and Cornwall over recent years, where sadly people have died or been seriously injured because they were not wearing a seatbelt. Had they been wearing one, they would still be with us.”
Nationwide, around one-third of all fatal collisions involve someone who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.
The AI speed cameras can see inside vehicles to see if drivers are using their mobile phones
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VISION ZERO SOUTH WEST
Data also shows that drivers are twice as likely to die in the event of a serious collision if they are not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr Leisk said the police force was “pleased” that the Government was consulting on plans to increase fines and penalty points for those not wearing seatbelts as part of the Road Safety Strategy.
“It’s important to say that the vast majority of motorists do comply with the rules – in fact, less than one per cent of the vehicles we monitored using the Acusensus cameras were detected committing offences,” he added.
If someone is detected committing an offence by one of the cameras, they can either be slapped with a fine and penalty points or take a driver education course.
AI speed cameras are becoming more common around the UK
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TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTERThe new camera system in Plymouth has been provided to Devon and Cornwall Police on a trial basis, with Jenoptik handling installation and setup costs.
Councillor John Stephens, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport at Plymouth City Council, emphasised the importance of reducing the number of serious accidents.
He added: “Not wearing a seat belt puts you and other passengers at significantly greater risk of injury or death in a collision and using a mobile phone behind the wheel seriously impairs your judgement and reaction times.
“We will continue to work collaboratively on measures to deter and tackle irresponsible driver behaviour and make our roads safer for everyone.”
