AI technology rolled out on Sussex roads
It's targeting dangerous drivers, mobile users and people not wearing a seatbelt
Sussex Police are taking part in a trial of cutting-edge AI mobile technology in a bid to keep our roads safer.
The automatic cameras are designed to automatically detect motorists not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones while driving.
This innovative initiative, part of a partnership with AECOM, aims to enhance road safety on National Highways by analysing driver behaviour and could pave the way for a future rollout across the country.
National Highways Head of National Road User Safety Delivery, Matt Staton, said:
“We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.
“Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.
“We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well.”
Dr Jamie Uff, is the Technical Director at AECOM and is the lead research professional who has been managing the deployment of the technology. He said:
“AECOM is really pleased to be continuing our work with National Highways, the Police and camera suppliers. Our work to date has highlighted the scale of the issue, has shown that technology can play a valuable role, and that there is much still to be understood about driver behaviour given the new insights gained.
“Expanding the deployments and integrating data processing with police systems is an important step towards this technology making a significant contribution to road safety.”
Although the research is funded by National Highways, enforcement of motoring offences will remain a matter for individual police forces.