Almost 19,000 drivers were caught breaking the law by AI cameras in just two weeks during a safety trial in the West Midlands. The findings have prompted urgent calls for motorists to belt up and switch off their mobile phones.
Among those captured on camera were a front-seat passenger holding a small child on their lap without a seatbelt and a driver with both hands on their phone. The trial, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with local police and the fire service, took place at two sites in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Mayor calls findings 'frankly shocking'
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, described the results as “frankly shocking”. He said: “I’ve met families who have lost loved ones to reckless driving. They never recover from these tragedies, the grief is always there. People need to stop doing this, it is simply not worth the risk.”
Parker added: “As we review these results with our road safety partnership and look to next steps, I promise to use every resource available, including new technology like this, to make our streets safer for everyone.”
Police chief: 'Deeply concerning'
The AI cameras were set up outside Ladywood and Fallings Park fire stations. Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of the region's road safety partnership board, commented: “These initial findings are deeply concerning.”
He continued: “Let me be absolutely clear: reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads remains our absolute top priority. We are closely evaluating these trial results to consider how this advanced AI technology can be deployed for future police enforcement.”
Foster added: “We cannot tolerate reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk, and we will use every effective tool at our disposal to ensure our roads are safer.”
No enforcement planned after trial
Following the trial, which sought to determine the potential extent of illegal phone use and absence of child restraints, no subsequent enforcement action is planned. Mat MacDonald, West Midlands Road Safety Commissioner, stated: “Mobile phone use at the wheel and failing to wear a seatbelt are two of the leading causes of death and serious injury on our road network, and yet you barely have to leave your front door before you see someone taking these potentially lethal risks.”
MacDonald concluded: “Our work with this cutting-edge technology shows we will stop at nothing to stamp out such behaviours.”
