A new era of road enforcement has arrived with the rollout of AI-powered speed cameras. These cutting-edge devices are transforming the way authorities monitor driving behaviour. Unlike traditional cameras that focus solely on catching speeding vehicles, these AI systems are equipped with high-resolution lenses and intelligent software that can detect a range of offenses, including:
- Drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel.
- Failure to wear seatbelts.
- Tailgating or aggressive driving.
In Cornwall and Devon, some of these advanced cameras have already been deployed, issuing hundreds of fines in just the first few weeks of operation. Local authorities claim the cameras are designed to enhance road safety, with a particular focus on reducing distracted driving—a factor linked to one in five road accidents.
Statistics back up the need for such measures. In the UK, over 17,000 accidents were attributed to distracted driving in 2023 alone, with mobile phone use being a significant contributor. Penalties for this behaviour are steep, with fines of up to £200 and six points on your license, and these cameras are proving to be an effective deterrent.
While road safety advocates have applauded the initiative, others are voicing concerns about privacy and over-surveillance. Critics argue that these cameras could lead to a culture of constant monitoring, where every minor slip-up is penalized. The debate continues, but one thing is clear: motorists need to stay vigilant.
