Phone and seat belt offenders to be targeted by AI

A mobile camera unit equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be deployed to roads in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire to crack down on drivers using phones and not wearing seat belts. The camera, on loan from National Highways, will be in operation for a week starting from Monday 10 June. Safer Roads Humber, the organization behind this initiative, explained that the AI-powered camera will be able to identify motorists who are potentially breaking the law. Once the camera detects a potential offence, the image is then sent to an officer for a secondary check, and only those found to be committing offences will be prosecuted. Offenders caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving could face a fine of £200 and receive six points on their licence. Similarly, individuals not wearing a seat belt within the vehicle could risk a £100 fine, with the driver being held responsible for any passengers under the age of 14. As an alternative to prosecution, those detected may be offered an education course. Ian Robertson, a representative from the Safer Roads Humber partnership, emphasized that this state-of-the-art equipment will enhance their enforcement capability. While their current safety camera vans are already equipped to detect mobile phone users, seat belt offences, and other violations such as careless driving, this specialized equipment will provide them with additional capacity.