The technology, called Acusensus, can spot if drivers are using their mobile phones whilst driving as well as if they have their seatbelts on or not. 

Acusensus is set to be trialled on select routes over the next two months, recording footage of passing motorists for analysis. Snapshots will be processed by the system’s smart computers and, if an offence is spotted, will be forwarded on to a human for review. 

For any images that correctly identify a driving offence, the driver will be issued a warning letter, fine, penalty points or prosecution depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime. 

Overseen by Devon and Cornwall Police, the Artificial Intelligence system is the latest development funded by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. 

Supt Adrian Leisk, Strategic Roads Policing lead for Devon and Cornwall Police, commented: “Using a mobile phone while driving is both dangerous and illegal. 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 and you will end up with a hefty fine and six penalty points.

“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.” 

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They have made the legislation one of their priorities for the year, and plan to implement it fully in 2023 if the law is passed. Wales will be the first country in the UK to make the change to a lower limit should it come to fruition.

Initially, the government is allowing residents to have their say on the proposed legislation in a 12-week consultation period. This marks the first phase of a data-gathering procedure in eight different communities across the nation.

Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, claimed that it will be “as much about changing hearts and minds as it is about hard enforcement”. However, he went on to say that in time “20mph will become the norm, just like the restrictions we’ve introduced before on carrier bag change, smoking inside businesses and organ donation”.

The deputy minister hopes that the lower speed limit will bring many benefits to the country, particularly in terms of safety for all road users.

“Not only does it save lives, but it also helps to make our streets a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, has a positive outcome for our physical and mental wellbeing and with fewer vehicles on the road helps create a positive impact on the environment”, Mr Waters continued.

A village in the Vale of Glamorgan will be one of the first areas to take part.

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Grant Shapps, MP and Secretary of State for Transport, announced the extension in a tweet that said: “We’re aware of a shortage of HGV drivers, so I’m announcing a temporary extension of drivers’ hours rules from Mon 12 July, giving flexibility to drivers & operators to make slightly longer journeys. We’ve ramped up the number of driving tests available & will consider other measures.”

The change comes as a result of the significant shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, which has caused problems across the country. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the effects of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. The RHA (Road Haulage Association) estimates that there is a shortfall of around 100,000 drivers.

The low number of drivers has led to delays in supply chains and the movement of goods. Some retailers have stated that there could be stock shortages if it continues, and food waste could increase.

However, RHA Chief Executive Richard Burnett, said: “Loading more hours on to drivers that are already exhausted is not the answer – the problem needs more than just a sticking plaster. Ministers should be mindful that road safety is the reason HGV drivers’ hours are limited.”

The current allowance for drivers is nine hours per day, which must contain a break of at least 45 minutes halfway through the journey. Under the new regulation, this would rise to 10 hours per day.

The new rules are set to begin on the 12th of July and end on the 8th of August.

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The car insurance company praised younger drivers, stating that those aged between 18 and 24 were some of the safest. This is because they are more mindful of the risks that come with driving. 

As many as 92 percent of 18-24-year-olds surveyed said they were aware of which factors could impact their driving capabilities. Half of these participants also knew how adverse weather conditions could considerably reduce visibility behind the wheel and, consequently, cause hazards.

Richard Tucker, Founder of Rooster Insurance, said: “It’s all too easy to become a complacent driver as we gain more miles on the clock and trips around the UK.

“However, this is a dangerous trap for the more mature and experienced driver to fall into, becoming more and more unaware of potential driving dangers on the UK roads.”

Although, over a quarter of older motorists claim that they refresh their knowledge on the Highway Code every year. It is advised that this should continue, to ensure that all ages are up-to-speed with the varying dangers on the road.

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