In today’s video, a ground-breaking camera system that uses Ai to catch drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel. This technology is being trialled in Devon and Cornwall so please also see the correction I have listed below

The technology, which can also detect whether drivers are wearing a seatbelt, is being rolled out on select routes across the two counties over the next two months.

"Correction: All offence images are reviewed by authorised reviewers in the UK and the data never leaves the UK. All images are encrypted with secure and robust security and privacy protocols."

We made a small mistake in the video, the info is actually not sent off to Australia, we got this wrong.

Our Apologies to acusensus and we will address this in a future video.

The trial is being funded by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership and overseen by Devon and Cornwall Police in an effort to deter drivers from distractions which can result in serious and fatal collisions.

The Acusensus system is housed in a vehicle equipped with multiple cameras that record footage of passing motorists on our roads.

Images captured by the cameras are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if motorists were using a handheld mobile phone or if drivers and passengers were without a seat belt. It can also determine the speed a vehicle was travelling at the time.

Any images in which a potential offence is detected are then reviewed by a human. If an offence has been correctly identified, the driver will either be sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution, depending on the severity.

Supt Adrian Leisk, Strategic Roads Policing lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, hopes the technology will help send a clear message to the small minority of motorists who continue to flout the law.

Supt Leisk said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is both dangerous and illegal. It puts the lives of the driver, passengers and other road users at risk – and that is unacceptable.

“Despite repeated messaging and even a change in the law which makes any contact with a mobile phone while driving illegal, sadly there are still some people who continue to ignore the rules.

“We are employing this new technology to send a clear message to anyone who continues to use their phone behind the wheel – you will get caught.

“Whether it’s by the Acusensus cameras, a passing officer or on video footage submitted through Op Snap, the result will be the same and you will end up with a hefty fine and six penalty points – which could be enough to cost some drivers their license.

“It’s just not worth it. Before you start your journey, put your phone away in the glove box or somewhere you cannot reach it so the temptation is not there. If it’s an emergency, make sure you pull in and stop the car before making that call.”

What is the law on using a mobile phone or other devices while driving?

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.

This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.

For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.

The law still applies to you if you’re:

stopped at traffic lights
queuing in traffic
supervising a learner driver
driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode
Exceptions

You can use a device held in your hand if:

you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
you’re safely parked
you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely
Using devices hands-free

You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example:

a Bluetooth headset
voice command
a dashboard holder or mat
a windscreen mount
a built-in sat nav
The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

Current Subscriber Count at time of posting this video - 73,000

2022's goal is to surpass 100,000 YouTube subscribers.

#MobilePhoneCameraVan #Acusensus #Police