During a recent interview, Devon County Council officials discussed their initiative to enhance road safety using cutting-edge technology. They outlined their plans to install an artificial intelligence (AI) camera on a road classified as high risk for fatalities and serious injuries.
With over £5 million awarded in March from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund, the council aims to improve safety along the A361. They intend to request £600,000 of this funding to implement AI technology focused on deterring unsafe driving behaviors.
Stuart Hughes, the councilor responsible for highways management, revealed that a pilot program conducted over four weeks in the summer discovered alarming statistics: a significant number of drivers were spotted not wearing seatbelts or using their phones. The pilot identified 1,799 potential infractions, including 1,363 cases of seatbelt violations and 436 incidents of mobile phone use while driving. Each case is currently under review by officers from Vision Zero South West, a collaboration between Devon and Cornwall Police and the council that aims to minimize serious and fatal road accidents.
Hughes emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology to address dangerous driving habits. “I’m particularly keen on using the latest innovations to target drivers with unsafe practices,” he stated. “Our goal is to diminish these risks and create safer roads for everyone.”
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, added, “Our purpose with these camera systems isn’t just to catch offenders; it’s to promote safety by encouraging motorists to wear seatbelts and avoid phone use while driving.” He did note that those caught in violation could face either a driver education course or penalties, including fines and points on their licenses.
The route connecting Barnstaple and Ilfracombe was highlighted as one of 17 roads in England with a high-risk designation and received the most funding from the Safer Roads Fund. Enhancements along this route may also include speed management, junction upgrades, and improved pedestrian facilities.
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