In a move that might remind some Americans of Orwellian surveillance, the UK is ramping up its road safety enforcement with AI technology. Safer Roads Humber has launched a new AI-powered camera to catch drivers breaking the law by using their phones or not wearing seat belts.

 

High-Tech Enforcement
This AI traffic camera, operated by Australian company Acusensus, will be stationed in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire for a week. Despite its modest appearance, this camera is part of a national trial by National Highways to enhance road safety measures. According to Ian Robertson from Safer Roads Humber, this cutting-edge equipment boosts their ability to enforce road safety laws. The AI camera, mounted on a visible trailer, captures images of drivers. The AI system then scans these images to detect illegal phone use or seatbelt violations. A post to X shows what appears to be one of the mobile cameras set-up and ready to start scanning drivers:

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Penalties for Violations
Using Mobile Phone: Six points on your license and up to a $250 fine.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Up to a $125 fine if responsible for passengers under 14.
Educational courses may be offered as an alternative to fines or prosecution.

 

Wider Trend in Prosecutions
This initiative comes amid a significant increase in penalties for mobile phone use while driving. The AA reported a 93% rise in fixed penalties between 2021 and 2022, partly due to increased public reporting via dashcam footage. Many see these "Big Brother" tactics as a way to both over police average citizens, and also increase revenue generation for the government.

 

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Ongoing National Trial
Since its initial deployment in 2021, this technology has been part of a broader trial by National Highways. Early data from previous deployments in Devon and Cornwall showed nearly 300 violations in just three days. The trial will continue until March 2025, with data managed by infrastructure firm AECOM.

 

Conclusion
The AI camera trial in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire reflects a growing trend in using advanced technology for "road safety". While some may view this as a necessary step, others might see it as a concerning sign of increasing surveillance, feeding into a massive surveillance state web.

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