A new type of artificial intelligence (AI) roadside camera has been introduced in Britain for the first time, aimed at detecting drivers making dangerous U-turns. The device has been installed on the A30 Hayle Bypass in Cornwall, a location known for serious accidents. Ten accidents, including one fatality, have occurred there in the past decade.
A ban on U-turns has been in effect on this section of the A30 since 2021, following a series of collisions and near misses attributed to drivers attempting to turn around in traffic queues. The road has a 60 mph speed limit, making U-turns particularly hazardous.
National Highways, in collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council, installed the camera because previous signage warning drivers against U-turns was being ignored. This deployment represents an increasing use of AI technology to enforce traffic laws.
AI-powered cameras are now capable of detecting various offenses, including speeding, running red lights, not wearing seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving. While the system has received local support for its potential to improve safety, it has also raised concerns about driver privacy and increased surveillance.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety at Devon and Cornwall Police, stated that the camera's implementation was deemed necessary due to the persistent disregard for the U-turn ban. He noted that while a U-turn might seem innocuous, the accident history on the A30 highlights their significant danger.
Oliver Dash, a senior road safety engineer at National Highways, indicated that the camera is primarily intended to monitor traffic movements and maneuvers, suggesting it may be used to enforce other types of offenses as well.
While the specific model of the camera has not been officially confirmed by the police, reports suggest it is a Hazen.ai VistaPro system. This AI system is designed as a comprehensive enforcement tool capable of identifying a wide range of traffic violations. Its technology creates a "3D digital twin" of the road, enabling it to detect prohibited maneuvers, such as crossing double white lines, driving the wrong way on a street, or making illegal turns. The system can also identify lane violations, queue-jumping, and enforce restrictions in areas like bus lanes and car parks.
The camera system is mounted on a trailer and powered by solar panels, allowing for mobile deployment and repositioning. It utilizes automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to identify vehicles and cross-reference their registration plates with law enforcement databases to flag issues like untaxed or uninsured vehicles.
Devon and Cornwall Police are also trialing another AI system, the 'Distracted Driving System' from German company Vector, in Plymouth to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations.
It is illegal to make a U-turn at junctions displaying a 'No U-turn' sign, which features a red circle with a diagonal bar across a U-shaped arrow. U-turns are also prohibited when crossing double white lines, mounting a kerb, or on one-way streets.