A recent operation conducted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, using a police spy camera van equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), successfully detected numerous traffic violations. The operation took place from 17 to 21 July and targeted commercial vehicles on the A34 and the A303.
The AI-equipped van utilizes two cameras to capture footage of potential offenses. The first camera is set at a shallow angle to identify drivers using mobile phones close to their ears or not wearing seat belts. The second camera has a steeper view to detect mobile phone usage for texting.
During the week-long operation, the AI system automatically identified various offenses, including 86 drivers suspected of using a phone, 273 drivers or passengers suspected of not wearing seat belts, and 132 mechanical offenses related to vehicle issues. Human verification was conducted to ensure the accuracy of the identified offenses before forwarding the results to the police for further review.
Simon Gomer, head of the safer roads unit, expressed the significance of the operation’s results, highlighting the need to address these prevalent offenses. The police will continue to enforce penalties for distracted driving and work to promote safer road habits. The operation also led to five arrests for drug-driving and disqualified driving.
