AI speed cameras could be rolled out across UK after Devon trial catches out 600 drivers in just two weeks
The cameras caught hundreds of drivers using their phones in just two weeks
VISION ZERO SOUTH WEST
There are calls for more police forces around the country to use new AI speed cameras to help crack down on the number of people using their phone at the wheel.
It has been 20 years since the Government rolled out legislation to ban the use of mobile phones when driving, although road safety charities highlight how it is still a massive issue.
While the number of fixed penalty notices has dropped from 162,400 in 2011 to less than 20,000 last year, organisations are questioning whether this is down to better compliance or less enforcement.
Eight per cent of motorists have admitted to using their phone behind the wheel, while a staggering 93 per cent said they had seen other people using their phones when driving.
WATCH NOW: Person in dinosaur costume blocks ULEZ camera
The AA Charitable Trust has called for new cameras, including those using artificial intelligence, to be rolled out across the country.
It is hoped that this would boost the number of drivers caught using their mobile phones when they are behind the wheel.
While their use has been limited so far, police trials have proved successful, prompting the AA Charitable Trust to call for a further rollout “as soon as practical”.
Think! and other road safety campaigns are also reminding drivers of the importance of not using their phones at the wheel and concentrating on the road ahead.
In the first two weeks of action in Devon and Cornwall, almost 600 people were caught by police breaking road rules by the new AI cameras.
This includes 590 people not wearing their seatbelts and 40 people driving while using their mobile phone.
The systems are equipped with multiple cameras to record footage of passing motorists, as well as to determine how quickly a vehicle was travelling at the time.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force was employing the new AI technology to send a clear message to anyone who continues to use their phone behind the wheel.
The technology is also being used by Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.
Edmund King OBE, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “It is tragic that twenty years on people are still being killed and seriously injured on our roads due to selfish drivers using their phones.
“Despite high profile campaigns from ourselves, government and others, the use of phone is still not as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
“This is despite our previous research that you're twice as likely to crash text driving as you are drink driving. You wouldn't drink and drive. Don't text and drive.”
It is estimated that there has been a 20 per cent decrease in the number of dedicated traffic police over the last 10 years.
Last year, 19,700 fixed penalties were handed out, with 4,336 being convicted in court and receiving an average fine of £197.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
There are fears thousands of people will continue to use their phones at the wheel
PA
Almost half of all drivers believe it is unlikely they will get caught using a mobile phone when on the road, highlighting how widespread the issue could be.