Countywide - New AI cameras to detect traffic offences

New AI cameras are being used to help police target offenders and save lives in Suffolk.

Suffolk Police is the latest force to deploy the technology, designed specifically to detect the unlawful use of mobile handheld devices by drivers and non-compliance with the wearing of seatbelts. These behaviours are two of the ‘Fatal 4’ main causes of serious or fatal collisions (the other two being drink/drug driving and speeding).

The technology is currently being successfully used in other areas and has delivered significant behavioural change. The aim of this project is to improve road safety by encouraging drivers and passengers to make safe choices when using our roads. The findings and outcomes of this project will contribute to a national knowledge base.

In recent years in Suffolk the unlawful use of mobile devices and failure to wear a seatbelt have been identified as contributory factors in a number of collisions in which people have been killed or seriously injured. These incidents highlight the significant risks associated with these behaviours and reinforce the importance of targeted enforcement, education and prevention activity.

Suffolk Constabulary has previously trialled this technology and gathered data about the extent of seat belt non-compliance and mobile device use by drivers in the county. 

This project is intended to deepen this understanding and importantly will also enable Suffolk Police to take enforcement action where appropriate. Data captured will be shared with other forces and Road Safety partners to help inform future collisions reduction strategies.  

The cameras will remain in place for several weeks, before being reviewed and evaluated and once the project has been completed, Suffolk Constabulary’s Road Safety Team will publish the results and findings.

The use of the AI cameras - which go live today, Monday 27 July – coincide with the final week of the Operation Spotlight campaign, which has seen a month-long focus on the ‘Fatal 4’ offences.

Chief Inspector Gary Miller, Head of the Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: "Mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt remain significant contributors to death and serious injury on our roads.

“This project will help us better understand the scale of these behaviours in Suffolk while supporting our ongoing efforts to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.

“The vast majority of motorists travel responsibly and we know they share our concerns about the dangers posed by distraction and other avoidable risks behind the wheel."

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “I am a great believer in using technology to improve policing and these new AI cameras will more easily identify drivers who resist wearing seat belts and use their mobile devices whilst driving.

“These cameras will help us to really appreciate the scale of this issue and hopefully, knowing these are in use will encourage the reckless drivers who flout the rules to buckle up and not use mobile devices.

“Every irresponsible driver we can stop, is hopefully another safer and more considerate driver on our roads.”

More information about the cameras can be found below:

How do the cameras work?

The cameras are high-definition devices with infrared flash, allowing them to capture clear images through windscreens, day or night, and in all weather conditions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms analyse the images in real time to identify potential offences, such as a driver using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt. Two camera angles are used to capture both steep and shallow views. The cameras are typically mounted on trailers and positioned to look down into vehicles.

They are capable of detecting multiple offences simultaneously and can capture high-speed, front-facing images of vehicles which are verified by trained staff.

How will offences be captured and processed?

Images of potential offences are sent securely for review by human verifiers.

During the initial stages, images are reviewed by at least two trained assessors without access to personal data or identifying details. If a potential offence is identified, the image is uploaded securely to Suffolk Constabulary using established systems already in place for processing other road safety camera offences.

A dedicated police team will then review each case, carefully assessing the evidence before deciding whether to proceed with enforcement action.

What happens to my images or data? What about privacy?

The vast majority of images are automatically deleted in real time and never viewed by a person, as they do not indicate a potential offence. Images selected for review are automatically cropped and anonymised, with number plates and other identifying details removed at the initial stage. The system does not use facial recognition or image enhancement technology.

Any images processed by Suffolk Constabulary are handled in accordance with the force’s Privacy Policy and relevant data protection legislation.

What happens if I am caught?

As the focus of this project is on changing driver behaviours, the preference will be to offer an educational course (similar to those used for speeding offences). Sometimes this option won’t be available due to the type of offence committed or the eligibility of the driver. In these cases a fine or prosecution may result (these outcomes could result in penalty points).

Are the cameras legal in the UK?

Yes, these camera systems are suitable and approved for enforcement use in the UK.

Do I get a warning before passing them?

Although signage is not legally required for enforcement, camera warning signs are typically displayed on routes where the cameras are in use.

Do they work at high speeds?

Yes, the cameras are designed to capture clear and reliable evidence, even at high vehicle speeds.

Are the cameras only for seatbelts and mobile phones?

Yes, the AI camera system used by Suffolk Constabulary is specifically designed to detect handheld mobile device use and the non-wearing of seatbelts.

However, in some circumstances, other offences may become apparent when images are reviewed. Any such cases will be assessed by trained staff to determine whether further action is appropriate.