Drivers have been warned of a new network AI-powered cameras to catch drink drivers (Image: Getty)
A major police force has announced the roll out of a new type of that can detect whether a motorist is drunk .
As the festive season approaches and many Brits plan to meet friends and family members for a quiet drink, is trialling a novel way to with .
Superintendent Simon Jenkinson from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Team noted that the new cameras will allow the force to inspect motorists in areas where police officers may struggle to check.
He explained: “We have an expansive road network of nearly 14,000 miles in and , meaning our officers cannot be everywhere. Camera technology helps us to target operational resources in an effective way, where intelligence informs our deployment.
“We will be deploying the cameras at various locations throughout the region in December and working closely with Acusensus to make sure this system is as accurate and effective as possible.”
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When a camera detects a motorist acting abnormally, it will alert nearby police officers (Image: Getty)
Built by the Australian company Acusensus, the new roadside cameras use AI to detect whether a motorist is driving unusually and appears to have an impairment caused by alcohol.
If a camera detects an offending vehicle, it sends a report to nearby police officers, who are able to stop it and test the driver for drugs or alcohol.
AI is already being used in other forms of roadside camera in order to tell whether a driver is using an electronic device or not wearing their seatbelt whilst on the move.
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Drink driving can result in an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and up to six months in prison (Image: Getty)
Paul Barker, Editor at Auto Express, largely welcomed the roll out of the unique cameras, but urged the force to make sure they do not replace police officers.
He said: “Any new measures in the battle against drink or drugged drivers are to be welcomed, but while opportunities presented by AI cameras are intriguing, Auto Express believes it’s vital this doesn’t become yet another excuse for reducing the headcount and visibility of trained traffic officers on UK roads – already at inexcusably low levels.
“This AI trial is part of an annual campaign focused on the festive season, but in theory such technology could be rolled out across the year using fewer officers than a traditional breath testing campaign.”
No matter the time of year, it is vital that drivers never take to the roads when they are over the drink drive limit, with many Brits experiencing longer reaction times and struggling with perception when they are drunk.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, motorists must never get behind the wheel if they have more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, a figure that drops to just 50 miligrams in Scotland.
Those who have exceeded the limit could face consequences including an unlimited fine, a driving ban of at least 12 months, and the possibility of up to six months in prison.