AI cameras to target drink and drug drivers in ‘world first’ trial

The trial will take place in one part of the UK.

The state-of-the-art Heads-Up machine detected almost 300 drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts on one of Devon and Cornwall's busiest roads during a three-day trial in 2023.

Now, according to Vision Zero South West who are utilising the new technology, the extraordinary piece of equipment will also be able to recognise behaviour consistent with drivers who may be impaired by drink or drugs.

Heads-Up has been developed by road safety tech company Ascensus, which uses cameras and AI to identify illegal and dangerous activity on the roads.

The camera was erected on the side of the A30 near Launceston for three days last year and, within hours, had already detected multiple offences.

In the first 72 hours of deployment, the system detected 117 mobile phone offences and 180 seat belt offences.

The free-standing system can be easily moved and will now be deployed at various locations across Devon and Cornwall, providing 24/7 monitoring.

Although the cameras use AI to detect potential offences, all images are subsequently reviewed by a human.

If an offence has been correctly identified, the driver will either be sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution, depending on the severity.

Geoff Collins, UK general manager of camera developer Acusensus, said: "We are delighted to be conducting the world's first trials of this technology right here in Devon and Cornwall."

The camera can be moved quickly to any road in either county, without warning, with drivers unaware they have been spotted until police pull them over.

"We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives," said Mr Collins.

Superintendent Simon Jenkinson of the Devon & Cornwall police added: "Our officers cannot be everywhere. As members of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, we're committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

"Embracing emerging technology such as these cameras is vital in that quest."