New AI cameras will take ‘enforcement to the next level’ with drivers at risk

New sophisticated AI cameras are being trialled across the UK (Image: Getty)

New AI cameras being trialed in areas across the UK could take "drink and drug enforcement to the next level”, according to experts at the RAC. 

AI tools developed by road safety company Acusensus have already proved capable of detecting motorists using a phone behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt. 

However, developments now mean the tools can identify driving patterns and behaviours that indicate a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

The software was tested by Devon and Cornwall police in December as part of Vision Zero South West’s effort to reduce accidents and deaths.

Motorists caught drink or drug driving are likely putting themselves and others at risk with the new tools thought to be a major boost for road safety.

Once detected on the cameras, motorists could be stopped and asked to take a breath test (Image: Getty)

The RAC's spokesperson Simon Williams stressed that drug driving was now a "growing problem” with new technology likely to play a key role in fighting back. 

He said: "This innovative use of AI technology has the potential to take drink and drug-driving enforcement to the next level as it appears to be able to identify offenders far more easily and efficiently than police officers ever could on their own.

"As the system is based on technology that has already proved successful in catching drivers using handheld mobile phones and those not wearing seat belts, we are hopeful it will do so here too.

"Sadly, drug driving appears to be a growing problem, with DVLA data showing 33,020 British drivers were convicted of the offence multiple times in the 11 years to 20 July, 2024, so improved enforcement might well lead to even more drivers being caught breaking the law."

The AI cameras scan vehicles and can quickly make an immediate assessment of motorists' condition.

The software can detect abnormal behaviour in seconds through erratic steering. 

Motorists found to be weaving between lanes or travelling at inconsistent speeds may also be lagged by the tool. 

When any suspicious behaviour is picked-up, the real-time data is set to nearby police officers who can then stop a vehicle and conduct a proper test. 

Geoff Collins, UK General Manager of Acusensus stressed the new technology would prove pivotal for tackling drink and drug-driving in the UK.

He said: "Driving while impaired is incredibly dangerous and quite often you only find out that a driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs after a collision has occurred.

"We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident which could ruin lives. We believe this technology could be a really important tool in this battle, both detecting and also deterring impaired drivers behind the wheel."