‘Smart’ AI speed cameras catch hundreds of drivers in just a few months

Hundreds of motorists have been nabbed by new 'smart' speed cameras recently deployed on Midlands roads. The cameras, equipped with the latest digital technology and AI, are part of Staffordshire Police's renewed efforts to curb dangerous driving.

The force introduced these cameras at the end of last year, initially positioning them at four problem spots in the county. Senior officers haven't dismissed the possibility of adding more in the future as part of their safety improvement drive.

These new cameras have taken the place of older yellow box ones that have been out of operation for years. They serve as a stark reminder to drivers that exceeding the speed limit will result in penalties.

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The cameras are active on some of Staffordshire's busiest A roads, where speeding has long been a concern.

One such camera is located in Stafford, on the A449 north of Wolverhampton. Data obtained by BlackCountryLive revealed that 161 drivers were caught here this year, up until September, reports Birmingham Live^[4].

However, speeds tend to be slower on this stretch of road compared to others in Stoke^[5] -on-Trent, where the number of drivers clocked exceeding the speed limit is higher. For instance, 1,087 drivers received speeding tickets after being detected on the A34 Newcastle Road in Stoke.

Speed camera locations and the number of drivers caught so far this year.

In other parts of the city, 311 were caught on the A5008 Potteries Way and 249 on the A53 Leek New Road/Baddeley Green. These cameras utilise a radar device to accurately gauge the speed of each passing vehicle.

Ahead of its deployment, Inspector Mark Joynson from the force's Roads Policing Unit commented: "The installation of the new technology will make it easier to check speeds across Staffordshire and we hope they will provide a visual reminder of the work we do every day to keep all road users as safe as possible."