AI cameras targeting drivers who break law

ARTIFICIAL intelligence-equipped cameras that detect drivers who are on the phone or not wearing seat belts are being used by more police forces in a newly-expanded trial.

- Chris Riches

Tech firm Acusensus, behind the Heads Up devices, said footage apparently showing an offence would be checked by a person before any fines were sent to the drivers.

A multi-area trial that launched in February is being expanded to 10 forces, to include the whole Greater Manchester region from Tuesday.

Transport for Greater Manchester officials said drivers were four times more likely to be in a crash if they use their phone at the wheel - and twice as likely to die in a collision if they are not wearing a seat belt.

Under the trial, drivers would receive warning letters from the police reminding them that they faced fines of up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt, with penalty points and potential £1,000 fines for those using a phone in a non hands-free manner.