AI camera could be used to save lives on 'high risk' dangerous road

Devon County Council is eyeing the use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to clamp down on dangerous driving after being granted a substantial £5m from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund in March, aimed at enhancing safety on the perilous A361.

Following a successful AI camera trial this summer, which highlighted a worrying number of motorists flouting basic safety measures, the council plans to allocate £600,000 of the awarded funds towards this advanced technology to curb perilous driving behaviours.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highway management, expressed alarm at the trial's findings, which recorded 1,799 potential offences in just four weeks, including 1,363 seatbelt violations and 436 instances of drivers distracted by mobile phones. These incidents are currently under scrutiny by Vision Zero South West officers, a collaborative initiative striving to reduce serious and fatal road accidents, involving both Devon and Cornwall Police and the council.

Councillor Hughes, who also serves as Vice Chair of Vision Zero South West, stated: "The award we received in March will enable us to help make one of the county’s busiest routes safer."

He added, "I’m particularly keen on the use of the latest technology and innovation to target drivers with unsafe driving habits."

"The recent pilot provided a snapshot of just how many drivers forget to put on their seatbelt and are distracted by mobile phones when driving."

"Armed with this evidence we will make the case to use part of this funding, likely to be in the region of £600,000, to deliver a three-year AI camera trial."

"Through using state-of-the-art technology, we want to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone."

Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: "There have been several tragic collisions in Devon & Cornwall very recently where people have died or been seriously injured because they were not wearing a seatbelt."

"Drivers and passengers who wear their seatbelts are 45 per cent less likely to die and 50 per cent less likely to be injured in a crash."

"Similarly, we know that using a mobile phone while driving is highly dangerous and you are four times more likely to be in a crash."

"Nationally in 2022, there were 22 people killed and 674 injured in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was considered to be a contributory factor."

"We don’t use these camera systems to catch people – we use them to keep motorists safe by encouraging them to wear a seatbelt and not use their phones while driving. But if you are caught, you can expect either a driver education course or a fine and penalty points."

The stretch of road between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe in North Devon was among 17 roads in England identified as high risk, receiving the most funding from the Safer Roads Fund. Additional enhancements along the route, including speed control measures, junction improvements, and improved pedestrian facilities, could also be implemented.