AI site visitors cops catch 19,000 drivers breaking the regulation in two-week security trial
The trial was funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with local police and the fire service
19,000 people were caught
AI caught out almost 19,000 drivers breaking the law in just two weeks during a safety trial. Drivers have now been urged to belt up and switch off their mobile phones.
People caught on camera included a front-seat passenger with a small child on their lap with no seatbelt and a driver with two hands on their phone. Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said the findings of the trial at two sites in Birmingham and Wolverhampton were “frankly shocking”.
Parker added: “I’ve met families who have lost loved ones to reckless driving. They never recover from these tragedies, the grief is always there. People need to stop doing this, it is simply not worth the risk.
“As we review these results with our road safety partnership and look to next steps, I promise to use every resource available, including new technology like this, to make our streets safer for everyone.”
AI cameras set up outside Ladywood and Fallings Park fire stations were used to capture the images. The trial was funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with local police and the fire service.
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of the region’s road safety partnership board, commented: “These initial findings are deeply concerning.
“Let me be absolutely clear: reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads remains our absolute top priority.
“We are closely evaluating these trial results to consider how this advanced AI technology can be deployed for future police enforcement.
“We cannot tolerate reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk, and we will use every effective tool at our disposal to ensure our roads are safer.”
Following the trial, which sought to determine the potential extent of illegal phone use and absence of child restraints, no subsequent enforcement action is planned. Mat MacDonald, West Midlands Road Safety Commissioner, stated: “Mobile phone use at the wheel and failing to wear a seatbelt are two of the leading causes of death and serious injury on our road network, and yet you barely have to leave your front door before you see someone taking these potentially lethal risks.
“Our work with this cutting-edge technology shows we will stop at nothing to stamp out such behaviours.”
