In a bold move, Thames Valley Police, along with nine other police forces across England, is testing a groundbreaking camera technology. This tech aims to catch drivers not wearing seatbelts or using their phones. Launched initially by National Highways in 2021, the system uses cameras mounted on vehicles or trailers, offering varied views inside cars passing by.
How it works
These high-tech eyes capture footage of drivers and their passengers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) then scans this footage to pinpoint rule breakers. Caught on camera? The police will know, and fines can hit hard—up to £500 for ignoring the seatbelt rule and a steep £1,000 plus six points on the license for phone use while driving.
During its first phase, the project sent warning letters to those caught. The goal? To cut down on distracted driving and encourage seatbelt use. Stats show phone use while driving ramps up crash risks fourfold, and skipping the seatbelt doubles the chance of dying in a crash.
Tech meets English police
This tech isn’t just about catching rule breakers; it’s a bid to make roads safer. National Highways is working hard to deal with two big problems causing many bad accidents. The first problem is people not paying attention while driving. The second problem is not using seatbelts. They want to help drivers make better choices to prevent these accidents.
The trial ropes in forces from Durham to Sussex and involves AECOM, a leading infrastructure firm. Future plans include mounting this tech on gantries for a clearer, unblocked view of all traffic lanes. Dr. Jamie Uff from AECOM emphasized they are working hard to make sure this new technology works well with police systems. This effort is to help make our roads much safer.
Local discretion
While National Highways backs the tech financially, local police forces have the final say on enforcement. This approach ensures flexibility in handling offenses, tailoring actions to specific local needs and situations.
Kicked off on February 19, this trial runs until March 2025. It’s a period of keen observation, learning, and, hopefully, a significant drop in driving offenses.
This initiative marks a crucial step in leveraging technology to boost road safety. By focusing on common yet deadly behaviors like phone use and neglecting seatbelts, Thames Valley Police and its partners aim to instill a culture of safer driving. As the trial unfolds, its findings will likely shape future road safety strategies, making England’s roads safer for everyone.
