New cameras which detect distracted drivers to be deployed across Greater Manchester

By Alasdair Perry 29th Aug 2024

Local News by Alasdair Perry 29th Aug 2024

New cameras which detect drivers using mobile phones are to be deployed at several locations throughout Greater Manchester.

The new cameras capture footage of passing vehicles, using artificial intelligence to detect distracted drivers. The cameras can also detect whether or not drivers are wearing seatbelts.

If an offending driver is detected, images are sent to a secondary human, to check whether an offence has in fact been committed. If an image shows that no offence has been committed, it is automatically deleted.

The scheme has been introduced by Safer Roads Greater Manchester and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It will work as a trial, with cameras due to be deployed from 3 September.

It can then be used to "refine future road safety campaigns aiming to improve compliance of mobile phone and seat belt use by drivers", according to TfGM.

Peter Boulton, TfGM's Network Director for Highways, said: "In Greater Manchester we know that distractions and not wearing seat belts are key factors in a number of road traffic collisions on our roads which have resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.

The new cameras use technology provided by Acusensus (Image - TfGM)

"By utilising this state-of-the-art technology provided by Acusensus, we hope to gain a better understanding of how many drivers break the law in this way, whilst also helping to reduce these dangerous driving practices and make our roads safer for everyone."

Calvin Buckley - whose partner and unborn daughter both died when a speeding phone-using driver crashed into their car - spoke of the importance of stopping distracted drivers.

Speaking at an awareness event in May, Calvin said: "Two people lost their lives as a result of someone using their phone while driving, and to put it simply my life was destroyed.

"It's become quite common for people to use their phone to check messages, send photos or change the music while driving.

"But all it takes is a split second to become distracted, and when you take your eyes off the road anything could happen. You could hit another car, a pedestrian, injure or kill yourself."

Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seat belt.