Cameras installed on UK roads to catch drivers on mobile phones

Specialised free-standing cameras which catch motorists illegally using their mobile phones are being deployed in the UK for the first time.

They caught nearly 300 drivers breaking the law within three days of being introduced on the A30 near Launceston, Cornwall.

Previous trials have seen similar software mounted on vehicles or inside speed cameras.

Although the cameras use AI to detect potential offences, all images are reviewed by a person, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The system uses a number of cameras with high shutter speeds, an infra-red flash and a lensing and filtering system to record clear images of passing vehicles.

Warning letters

Offending drivers are sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution ^[1]depending on the severity of the offence.

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

Vision Zero South West, ^[2]a community road safety project, conducted a 15-day trial last year of a larger, vehicle-based system produced by tech firm Acusensus.

It detected 590 seat belt and 45 mobile phone offences across various roads in Devon and Cornwall.

There were 48 road deaths and 738 serious injuries on roads recorded in the two counties last year.

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “When we trialled this technology last year, we were disappointed by the number of drivers detected not wearing seatbelts.

“The early results from our latest deployment show that there is also a problem with mobile phone use behind the wheel, which is both dangerous and illegal.

“We are employing this new technology to send a clear message to anyone who continues to use their phone behind the wheel - you will get caught.

“While we know the majority of drivers in Devon and Cornwall are safe, respectful and conscientious motorists, sadly there is a minority who are still putting people’s lives at risk.”

Noise nuisance

A new survey from the RAC found 58 per cent of drivers would want to see cameras that detect excessive noise from cars and motorbike engines.  

But 22 per cent of respondents were against the idea, with 20 per cent unsure.

The Department for Transport (DfT) began a £300,000 trial of noise cameras ^[3]in a handful of areas in England in October last year.

The technology involves a camera and several microphones to detect noisy vehicles creating evidence which can be used by police to issue fines, according to the DfT.

A third of drivers surveyed for the RAC said they regularly heard revving engines or excessively loud exhausts.

Road noise has been found to contribute to health problems including heart attacks, strokes and dementia.

Vehicle exhausts and silencers are required to be properly maintained, and not altered to increase noise.

Non-compliance can lead to a £50 on-the-spot fine.

References

1. ^{^} warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution (www.telegraph.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Vision Zero South West, (www.telegraph.co.uk)
3. ^{^} noise cameras (www.telegraph.co.uk)