New AI-enhanced roadside cameras are now detecting seatbelt and phone use alongside speeding.
The latest result from Devon and Cornwall Police has recorded ‘truly alarming’ failures of care by motorists.
Amongst the most shocking is the number of children unrestrained in vehicles.

Pointing out the danger

Analysing the latest images from their cameras in the South West of England, police found that 109 children were without seatbelts.

These were amongst over 2,000 people caught without their seat belts on A-roads from July and August in the Devon and Cornwall area.

It has led to calls for more significant penalties on drivers.

Adrian Leisk, the head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, wants penalty points added to driver fines.

He believes that, in addition to the current £500 fine, three points should be added to the offender’s licence.

Responsibilities

Speaking on the publication of the latest news, Leisk was shocked by the revelations and official action would follow.

He stated that police officers would be visiting the legal guardians of the 109 children caught not wearing seat belts for a ‘safeguarding check’.

“I’m struggling to understand why people think it’s OK not to wear a seat belt, particularly young people in their vehicles,” said Leisk.

“In the event of a forward collision or if the vehicle were to brake sharply, the parent’s weight would crush the child against the front of the car.”

 

Intelligent way forward

Devon and Cornwall police have led the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) cameras in England.

So far, the ongoing trials have proven highly effective.

Drivers have also been caught using mobile phones, passengers using the steering wheel, as well as speeding.

Positioned higher than traditional speed and security cameras, the advanced vehicle monitoring systems can see inside the vehicles.

AI monitors and analyses driver and passenger activity.

The results are then sent to the local police force for human analysis.

Another useful tool

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: “AI-equipped cameras that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a chance for the tide to be turned.

“The police can’t be everywhere all of the time, so it makes sense that forces look to the best available technology that can help them catch drivers acting illegally.”

Data collected by Vision Zero South West, Devon and Cornwall Police showed that between July 25th and August 17th 2024, 2,239 seat belt offences were detected by AI cameras on the A388 between Saltash and Launceston.

Offences included more than 800 mobile phone offences filmed during the same time period.

An image captured by an AI camera shows a child on a tablet in the front passenger seat not wearing a seatbelt

Ongoing monitoring

Police said the AI cameras would be moved over a 12-month project, which started in August 2024, with future sites including Plymouth and Torbay.

Mr Leisk said the scheme, funded by fines from road offences, was costing “hundreds of thousands” of pounds but did not disclose the exact amount.

The technology was developed in 2018 by the Australian firm Acusensus.

Managing director Alex Jannink said he began researching the system after a friend died in a car accident.

He said the technology had been “hugely effective” in changing driver behaviour in areas of Australia, with mobile phone offences changing from “one in 80 to one in 600”.

Lucy Straker, from road charity Brake, said it was “heart-breaking” to see the number of people “disregarding seat belts”.

“Especially when young children are involved,” she said.

“We are relieved that in these instances no one was hurt or killed.

“It is important for us all to act responsibly and set a good example to our children, so that they can become responsible road users as well.”