Drivers face £2,500 fines from new AI cameras already being used by police

Fines totalling thousands of pounds could be coming your way if you get caught by new AI cameras being used across the United Kingdom.

At the end of 2023, brand new two-way speed cameras were brought in across the country that have been leaving drivers not even knowing if they've been caught.

Tech company Jenoptik has been responsible for developing the VECTOR-SR cameras, which operate 24/7.

But it's not the only technology advancement being taken up by those trying to make sure the rules of the road are obeyed by all motorists.

Right now, a total of 10 UK police forces are currently using the even newer AI cameras.

Currently being run as a trial period, the artificial intelligence in the cameras will make sure drivers and their passengers don't get away with breaking the law.

The AI can automatically detect if a motorist is breaking rules such as using their mobile phone at the wheel or if anyone in the vehicle isn't wearing a seatbelt.

The cameras are also linked to every UK police and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) database, so checks on car tax and insurance can also be carried out.

National Highways

The police forces taking part in the trial are Durham; Greater Manchester Police; Humberside; Staffordshire; West Mercia; Northamptonshire; Wiltshire; Norfolk; Thames Valley Police; and Sussex.

National Highways Head of National Road User Safety Delivery Matt Staton said that the introduction of such technology 'will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour'.

He added: "We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well."

Experts at AbsoluteReg are now warning exactly what they means for motorists.

They explain that drivers found using a phone could be fined £1,000, rising to £2,500 if you were caught while driving a lorry or bus. It comes with six penalty points and being banned from driving.

Motorists and passengers caught not wearing a seatbelt could be given an on-the-spot penalty of £100, rising to £500 if found guilty in court.

RAC

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, said: “The cameras can spy inside a vehicle to catch law-breaking drivers and send their details to the police. The implementation of the new AI technology may seem like another ploy to get money from motorists, but introducing them is a positive step forward in making Britain's roads safer.

“The cameras should make drivers think twice before driving dangerously, and reduce incidents where people are killed or seriously injured. Motorists should expect other police forces across the UK to be rolling out these AI cameras and should ensure they are always driving safely and following the rules of the road.

“We expect the AI camera system will be deployed nationwide promptly once proven successful in police trials and catch out thousands of offenders.”

The AI cameras are part of a trial that is running until March 2025.

There are plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time giving an unobscured view of all lanes.

During the trial period, enforcement of any motoring offences caught by the AI cameras will remain a matter for individual police forces.