Urgent warning for drivers over AI technology that could leave you out of pocket

DRIVERS have been issued an urgent warning over new AI technology that could leave them seriously out of pocket.

The gadget could see motorists slapped with fines of up to £1,000 if they fall foul of the law.

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Cops have now introduced a spy camera that uses AI to detect when drivers are using their phones at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.

The programme has already seen nearly 500 driving offences, that might otherwise have been missed, being picked up.

It was trialled in a week-long experiment on the A34 and A303 by the Hampshire and Thames Valley police forces.

Two cameras are mounted on a van, which then mixes in with traffic.

The first camera is set low to pick up the area around your ear where a seatbelt would go, while the second is positioned at a high angle to catch people on the phone.

Once the offences are flagged by the AI, they are then checked by two human officers before a decision on whether or not to prosecute is made.

If you are caught using a phone while operating a vehicle, even if it is stationary, you can be slapped with six penalty points and a £200 fine.

And if you passed your test in the two years before the offence, your licence will be taken away.

Prosecution could see the fine raised to £1,000 and a driving ban enforced.

Likewise, not wearing your seatbelt could land you a £100 on-the-spot fine or up to £500 and three penalty points if prosecuted.

In its one-week trial, the van identified 86 drivers suspected of using a phone and 273 motorists or passengers suspected of not wearing a seatbelt.

A further 132 mechanical offences were detected, while five people were arrested over offences like drug driving or driving when disqualified.

Sergeant Paul Diamond said: “It is always disappointing to see the level of danger some people bring to themselves and other motorists, but with dedicated operations like this we can combat the threat and remove the worst offenders.”

Meanwhile, Simon Gomer, manager of the forces’ Safer Roads Unit, hailed the tech as “exciting” and a “great opportunity” to root out “prolific” offences.

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