The technology is being trialled by select councils and authorities to take on illegal driving habits, including using a phone behind the wheel and a vehicle’s noise pollution levels:

AI cameras

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been incorporated into roadside cameras to snap motorists who are breaking the law while driving – and the tech is already delivering. For instance, during a three-day trial of the camera on the A30 in Devon, it snapped 117 motorists using their phones while behind the wheel and a further 130 who weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

The camera system is hard to miss as it fixed on a long pole and gantry that protrudes out of the top of a van, monitoring traffic as it passes by. Using a higher shutter speed coupled with infrared flashes and a lensing filtering system, the camera’s high positioning enables it to snap photos of the inside of your car through the windscreen.

Human verified

Once a picture has been taken, the tech determines whether an offence has been committed by the driver. If so, the photo is forwarded to the police for review by a human. If the offence is verified then the driver can expect a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution.

The technology had already proven itself during a 15-day trial in 2022. AI cameras deployed on roads across Devon and Cornwall managed to catch 590 people driving without seatbelts and 40 motorists using their phones. With such successful trial results, expect the tech to be rolled out across the UK in the future.

“While we know the majority of drivers in Devon and Cornwall are safe, respectful and conscientious motorists, sadly there is a minority who are still putting people’s lives at risk.”

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety, Devon and Cornwall Police

Noise pollution detectors

According to new RAC research, over half of British drivers are sick and tired of the noise pollution created by loud exhausts and engine revving, and would approve of ‘noise cameras’ being deployed to tackle the issue.

Such wishes could soon come true. The Department for Transport has already conducted a £300,000 trial of noise pollution detection tech last year, installing it in Bradford, Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham.

Smart tech

The system utilises a video camera with several microphones. As a vehicle passes, the technology  can detect whether the noise generated exceeds the legal limit of up to 74-decibels.

If the vehicle’s noise levels are too high, the system snaps a pic and sends it – and a recording of the car’s noise – to the police. The authorities can then decide whether to fine the driver. The maximum fine is typically £50.

Decibel hell

Such tech has been in use in Kensington and Chelsea since 2020. Between June 2021 and February 2022, 10,000 vehicles were caught breaking the noise limit and slapped with a £100 fine.

In 289 cases, the decibels created were over 100 decibels with one Lamborghini generating 112 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer.

As for the future of noise detectors, Richard Holden, Roads minister has stated: “We are currently analysing data from the trials and will update in due course on any future measures which will help bring peace and tranquillity back to our towns, cities and villages.”

In other words, expect the noise detectors to be heading to your local high street soon.

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Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash