New AI cameras are being trialled on the A361 Frome Bypass by the police and Somerset Council in a bid to curb dangerous driving following six fatalities in the last five years.
Avon and Somerset Police are working in partnership with Somerset Council’s Road Safety Teams to try to reduce serious collisions on the road. The AI cameras, which are part of an ongoing package of road safety measures, are capable of detecting unsafe driving behaviours, including illegal mobile phone use and careless driving, as well as failure to wear a seatbelt.
The cameras are already being deployed on major roads across the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “Sadly, driver behaviour and poor decision making often contribute to serious and fatal collisions.”
The software uses the latest learning algorithms and advanced image analysis and provides real-time alerts for violations, which are reviewed by officers.
Although the camera system can also monitor speeding, its speed detection capabilities are currently used for data gathering only, as they are not yet Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) certified for enforcement.
Warning letters
Currently it is proposed that those caught on camera driving unsafely on the A361 will receive a warning letter and educational materials to help them improve their behaviour behind the wheel.
Enforcement issues will be considered once the use of the technology has been developed.
Last autumn following serious incidents, Somerset Council’s Highways Team did some urgent work on the A361/A361 junction, including refurbishment of lining, an upgrade of junction warning signs, the introduction of STOP signs instead of Give Way and an extension of the double white line systems on both approaches to the junction.
In the longer term the council has commissioned a review of the A361/A362 junction to look at the feasibility of options to make changes to improve safety.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Councillor Richard Wilkins said, “This is an important part of a package of measures, some of which have already been implemented.
Alarming
“The number of serious and fatal collisions on this stretch of road is alarming and we know the community is looking to ourselves and the police to try to find ways to address this and ensure this is drastically reduced. Too many families have gone through the heartache of losing loved ones.
“We don’t know all the full circumstances surrounding all these incidents and it would be wrong to speculate, but we do know from working with our police partners and communities generally that drivers continue to take unnecessary risks, whether that’s driving while using a phone or being generally distracted and making dangerous decisions.
“In the long term we are continuing to look at potential wider measures on the road and will work with the police to build an understanding of what is required.”
Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman of Avon and Somerset Police said, “Last year, 52 people were killed in 47 fatal road incidents in Avon and Somerset, with many more seriously injured.
“These tragedies not only devastate families but also place immense strain on emergency services and the officers who respond to them.
“By combining cutting-edge detection systems with proactive community engagement, AI cameras represent a significant step forward in road safety technology, helping to identify and deter dangerous driving behaviours before they lead to loss of life.”
The initiative aligns with Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police’s Fatal Five campaign, which focuses on the behaviours most commonly linked with fatal and serious injury collisions: speeding, distraction, seatbelt non-compliance, drink and drug driving, and careless driving.
Pictured: Frome Bypass junction before the new adjustments. Credit: Google Maps
