Sainsbury's has confirmed that a major AI-powered update will be rolled out across its UK home delivery service later this year. The new technology, which has already undergone a successful trial, will be installed in the supermarket's fleet of vans to record and monitor safety breaches.
How the AI Cameras Work
Store vans will soon be fitted with double-facing cameras that look at both the driver and the road ahead. The cameras will check for safety issues such as drivers not wearing their seatbelt or not paying attention to the road. If a breach is detected, the system will sound a vocal alert to warn the driver.
According to a report from The Grocer, the cameras activate and show a red recording light when the ignition is turned on. They remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition is switched off. Importantly, footage is only saved when there is something to record, such as a collision.
Successful Trial Results
The new approach follows a trial earlier this year involving hundreds of delivery drivers. During the test period, the cameras prompted a 77% reduction in safety incidents and a 57% reduction in harsh braking.
A Sainsbury's spokesperson told The Grocer: "Following a successful trial with hundreds of drivers, we're rolling out safety cameras across our grocery delivery fleet as part of our ongoing commitment to colleague safety. Results were hugely encouraging. This technology, already widely used by delivery companies, provides real-time hazard alerts and only records when a potential incident is detected."
Rollout Timeline and Driver Support
The camera rollout will take place between June and October. Once cameras are installed at a distribution site or store, there will be a two-week period before they become fully functional to allow drivers time to adjust. Sainsbury's said it had consulted with drivers and unions ahead of the wider rollout.
Bally Auluk, national officer for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), said: "USDAW continues to work closely with Sainsbury's on measures to improve colleague safety. We have seen the benefits of the successful trial of this technology. We recognise the challenges delivery drivers may face on the road, and we support steps employers take to help keep colleagues safe and ensure our members are not incorrectly blamed for incidents which are not their fault. It is important that there is clear awareness that vehicles are monitored and we also urge the public to treat our members with the respect they deserve as key workers delivering an essential service."
Other Sainsbury's Updates
In other news, Sainsbury's will continue its 40p bag rule across 1,500 UK stores. Customers have also questioned whether the chain offers replacement bags for life for damaged ones. Here's what each major supermarket offers:
- Asda: Free replacement if your Bag for Life breaks or gets damaged.
- Tesco: Free exchange for a new Bag for Life when worn out.
- Sainsbury's: Free replacement and recycling of the old bag.
- Morrisons: No free replacements; scrapped plastic Bags for Life for paper alternatives.
- M&S: Return for replacement or recycling when worn out.
- Lidl: Free exchange for damaged Bags for Life.
- Aldi: No free replacements; no swap policy.
