If you’re a driver or planning to take your practical test soon, there’s some things you’ll need to know about the new AI speed cameras which have become operational today (3 September).
The new high-tech surveillance has been rolled out from today in Greater Manchester as part of a wider trial and if you’re not careful, you could be caught out.
That’s because the cameras can apparently see inside of your car and jot down any rule-breaking activities.
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The punishment is also pretty gnarly and will see you having to fork out some serious cash for misdemeanours.
The cameras will be set up across the area and can be mounted to either a vehicle or to a trailer to get a good look at oncoming cars.
The National Highways first trialled the technology in 2021, and it can run the footage through AI to check whether drivers are not wearing a seatbelt or are using their phones behind the wheel.
The way it works is by taking two pictures - one which looks at the car and another which is a deeper angle to catch inside of the car.
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Acusensus, the company which created the cameras, claims the tech will ‘provide automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving’.
Known as its 'Heads Up' software, the AI camera can take images in almost any weather condition and during the day or night.
It may also be able to know if a driver is speeding, fails to stop at a red light, drives without a valid MOT or insurance, according to the Mail.
Safer Roads Greater Manchester is also set to use it too to as part of a research project to figure out how many drivers in the area are prone to breaking the law.
It'll then be able to use the information to implement future road safety campaigns.
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If anyone is caught out, the police will be notified of the offence which can range from a £100 fine to £1,000.
If an adult is caught not wearing a seatbelt, they can be slapped with a fine of £100 on the spot.
For children found not to be wearing theirs, that’s £500 out of your pocket.
If you’re caught using your mobile phone or driving, you could face six points on your license or £1,000 in fines.
So, really, it’s not worth getting in trouble.
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Peter Boulton, TfGM's Network Director for Highways, told The Sun: “In Greater Manchester we know that distractions and not wearing seat belts are key factors in a number of road traffic collisions on our roads which have resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.
“By utilising this state-of-the-art technology provided by Acusensus, we hope to gain a better understanding of how many drivers break the law in this way, whilst also helping to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Cornwall trialled similar tech last year which caught out 300 drivers in three days.
The cameras have so far been trialled in Sussex, Durham and now Greater Manchester which have seen similar numbers in drivers being naughty.
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With the RAC’s backing, it could mean all UK roads will be capable of cracking down on bad drivers in the future.
The RAC’s spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "Despite the penalties for using a handheld phone having doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, it’s clear far too many drivers are still prepared to put lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous practice.”
Britt Jones