A world first has been introduced in the UK. A speed camera with AI, technology and a 4D radar can scan inside of vehicles and see drivers who are caught breaking speed limits.
Next-Generation Technology
Labelled next-generation technology, the camera was invented by global leaders Redspeed International. They do great work with camera enforcement and their current work focuses on next-generation thinking, pioneering to advance road safety solutions using applied camera technology.
Lambeth, South London
This new camera has been installed in South London on the A23 in Lambeth. There is a high-resolution camera and A4D radar, which, when combined, are able to discern exactly how fast the driver is travelling, and, therefore, how far over the speed limit this is. It can also show who is behind the wheel and if they are not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones. The information is also able to identify vehicles that are overcapacity and transporting more people than is safe.
According to the manufacturer, the camera will be linked directly to UK police databases and the DVLA enabling insurance and tax checks to be made at the same time. This data will be used when it comes to prosecution. This new camera monitors six lanes of traffic and works with other cameras also situated along any road. Redspeed says this new camera called Sentio can work in many different ways, enabling it to be whatever is deemed necessary.
Not Everyone is Happy
However, not everyone is impressed by the new technology or the trial of this new camera. Big Brother Watch’s Head, Jake Hurfurt, said, “This kind of intrusive and creepy surveillance, which treats every passer-by as a potential suspect, is excessive and normalising. It poses a threat to everyone’s privacy. People should be free to go about their lives without being analysed by faceless AI systems.” Spokesperson Brian Gregory from the Alliance of British Drivers is also not in favour, saying, in his opinion, it’s all about making money. “It’s clear that the hollow assurances the motoring public was given about speed cameras being used exclusively to prevent accidents were always a total sham. The objective is actually to maximise their revenue-generating potential.”
But Some Are Positive
According to Simon Williams and RAC Road safety spokesperson. The reason for the cameras is simple. Although he understood that some people may not be happy with the technology and claim it’s an invasion of privacy. The sheer weight of traffic means the police can’t possibly monitor everything without relying on technology. He said that anyone who was obeying the law and staying within legal speed limits had nothing to worry about, no matter what type of cameras were in place or where they were. In the UK, all cameras must be painted yellow and plainly visible, so it is his opinion that nothing is being done below the radar; in other countries, they are hidden. His only caveat was that cameras must be correctly set up, and there must be recourse for any drivers who wish to challenge penalties.