Mobile cameras pioneered in Australia to target new drivers in ‘clear message’

As Australian state governments attempt to crack down on drivers behaving badly on our roads using pioneering technology, millions more drivers are set to be targeted. This time, overseas.

The AI-powered mobile detection cameras that were designed in Australia are now being rolled out across the UK in a “clear sign” to drivers that “they will be caught” if they are doing the wrong thing.

The cameras, which use artificial intelligence to detect mobile phone and seatbelt offences, are now being used by police in Devon and Cornwall. It’s the first time the state-of-the-art technology, widely used across Australian states such as NSW, Queensland and now South Australia, will be operated outside the country.

Alexander Jannick, the founder of Australian company Acusensus, who created the mobile cameras, is on a mission to reduce road trauma around the world after his close friend was killed by a drug-affected driver while cycling in Los Angeles in 2013. The motorist had been using his mobile phone at the time.

According to the company that created the mobile cameras, the rate of phone use in NSW has dropped “sixfold” and the state now “dramatically outperforms every other state in road fatality reduction” over the past three years.

UK cameras to send ‘clear message’ to drivers

In the UK, the cameras are now operational across the region and will change locations over the course of a 12-month project. During a two-week trial earlier this year, the system detected 408 seatbelt offenses and 162 mobile offenses.

“With regards to those who use mobile phones while behind the wheel, we hope these cameras will send a clear message – you will get caught,” Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon and Cornwall Police said. “You could end up with a hefty fine and six penalty points – which could be enough to cost some drivers their license and livelihood.

“It’s just not worth it. Before you start your journey, put your phone away in the glovebox 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.”

The UK general manager of Acusensus, Geoff Collins, said: “This is a significant milestone for UK road safety. Our technology is now being used to directly deal with poor driving behaviors, helping to break those bad habits so making our roads safer for everyone.”

Australian stats reveal ‘concerning’ driver behavior

As Australian governments attempt to curb the rising death toll on our roads, the use of mobile phone detection cameras has exposed a ‘concerning’ reality.

South Australia is the latest state to install the cameras at four busy locations around Adelaide. Since being switched on last month, they’ve already snapped almost 31,000 drivers using their phones with 30,754 warning letters being sent out to motorists.

South Australia the ACT, which began fining drivers for mobile phone use in February and NSW, Queensland and Victoria have also introduced dual-capability tech.

Meanwhile, Victoria rolled out dual mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras last year after a two-year trial. 52,000 drivers and passengers have been caught out in the past 10 months, it was revealed in May.

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