Thames Valley Police trials AI to detect driving offences

The technology, first launched in a National Highways trial in 2021, can automatically detect motorists who are not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving.

The kit is mounted to a vehicle or trailer and uses multiple cameras to give differing views of the driver and their passengers.

The new technology captures footage of passing motorists which is then assessed using artificial intelligence to identify potential offences.

The trial is funded by National Highways (Image: National Highways)

Images are sent to police for action, with fines of up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt and up to £1,000 and six penalty points for using a mobile phone while driving.

During the initial trial, motorists spotted without seatbelts or driving while using phones were sent warning letters.

Research shows that using a phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash, and not wearing a seatbelt doubles your risk of dying in a crash.

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Matt Staton, National Highways head of national road user safety delivery, 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."

The other forces taking part in the trial are Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, and Sussex.

There are plans for the technology from AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, to be fixed to gantries for an unobscured view of all lanes for the first time.

Dr Jamie Uff, technical director at AECOM, 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.”

Despite the National Highways funding the technology, enforcement of motoring offences will still be under the discretion of individual police forces.

The trial started on February 19 and will continue until March 2025.