New camera van able to tell if a driver is not wearing a seat belt

Monday, 1 August 2022 at 11:49

Warwickshire Police are trialling the van to help detect dangerous driving.

A new van is being used in Warwickshire to trial technology that can detect drivers holding a mobile phone at the wheel and people failing to wear a seatbelt.

The National Highways sensor vehicle is equipped with multiple cameras which can record footage of passing drivers.

Images captured by the cameras are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) and then drivers will be sent warning letters in partnership with the police force, informing them of the dangers of their actions.

National Highways Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said: “Safety remains our top priority and we want everyone to get to their destination safely. Sadly, there are still drivers who do not feel the need to wear a seatbelt, become distracted by their phones or travel too close to the vehicle in front. We want to see if we can change driver behaviour and therefore improve road safety for everyone. Our advice is clear; please leave enough space, buckle up and give the road your full attention.”

The vehicle, which will be stationary at the side of the road while in use, is being trialled over a period of three months.

The warning letters, issued by police, will remind drivers that they could be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt in addition to penalty points.

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