AI “spy” cameras are being used to catch drivers on their phones or not wearing seatbelts – as thousands of the stealth traps pop up country-wide.
The smart tech cameras are mounted on vehicles or roadside bollards and take secret snaps inside motorists’ cars.
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The pictures reveal drivers committing various offences, including calling and texting on the phone – while one is seen with the passenger seatbelt illegally clicked into the driver’s seat.
The new “Heads Up” cameras, made by tech company Acusensus, were trialled over a five-week period in Greater Manchester.
During that time, 3,200 people were caught on their phones or without their seatbelts on.
Nine other police forces across the UK are also trialling the innovative technology.
These include Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
It follows a similar trial in Cornwall last year, which saw 300 Brits caught out within just three days.
The software works by capturing footage of passing vehicles which is then run through AI to detect whether a driver is using their smartphone or not wearing a seatbelt.
Two precise photos are taken, one taken at an angle that captures whether or not the driver has a phone to their ear and if their seat belt is being worn.
A second is taken from a deeper angle which can capture if a driver is messaging on their device.
The footage is then examined by a human to confirm whether the software has indeed detected an offence being committed.
It is only after the human check that the driver is issued with a penalty charge notice.
Any images captured that don’t show an offence or are incorrect are deleted immediately, according to Acusensus.
The company also claimed its cameras have the ability to capture images at day and night and in almost any weather conditions, including sun glare,
A spokesperson said the software is designed to “provide automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving”.
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However, it is believed that this type of technology can go even further.
According to the Mail, AI cameras not also detect drivers failing to stop at a red light, Driving without insurance, and even driving without a valid MOT.
The “Heads Up” cameras are already been used for research purposes too, with Safer Roads Greater Manchester deploying them as part of their survey to find out how many drivers break the law.
This could then be used to determine future road safety campaigns relating to mobile phone usage and seat belts.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways, said: “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.”
The RAC has backed the move, saying that a “lack of enforcement” was making UK roads more dangerous for law-abiding drivers.
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