Drivers warned new AI cameras ‘can spy inside’ cars
Unlike traditional speed cameras that only monitor speed, the new AI-powered cameras are smart devices that aim to crack down on distractions behind the wheel. Drivers caught by these new cameras could face major fines. Using a mobile phone while driving comes with a GBP200 fine and six penalty points on your licence.
And if you are taken to court, the cost could rise to GBP1,000 or even GBP2,500 for a lorry or bus driver. While not wearing a seatbelt comes with a GBP100 fine, which could increase to GBP500 if prosecuted in court. Experts from car repair finance group Bumper[1] said: "The system uses a multi-camera setup to capture different views of the driver and passengers, with artificial intelligence analysing the footage to detect speed-related offences.
"However, any violations flagged by AI must still be reviewed and verified by police officers before fines are issued. "Initial results suggest the technology is effective - within just a few weeks, the trial cameras caught 590 drivers without seatbelts and 40 using their phones. "The programme has now expanded in 2024 to include 10 police forces across the country, covering areas such as Durham, Greater Manchester, and Sussex."
"With so many drivers caught not wearing their belts and on their phones, the results speak for themselves - the more drivers fined for these simple errors, the fewer accidents we'll see, making our roads a safer place for everyone."
Common speed camera myths
Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?
No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right.
Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away."
Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?
If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law.
Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent."
What happens if I am caught speeding?
It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit.
The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a GBP100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.
"Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit."
So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course.
Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.