AI cameras do change driver behaviour, Australian example shows

The City of Cape Town is awaiting the green light from the National Director of Public Prosecutions to roll out AI-assisted cameras to detect cellphone use and seatbelt offences.

The tech has already been trialled on motorists using Philip Kgosana Drive in the Mother City, explains Jacobs.

Similar technology has been in use in parts of Australia for several years, where penalties include heavy fines and the loss of demerit points.

“It's definitely had a huge impact,” says Peter Khoury, Head of Media at the National Roads and Motorists' Association in Australia.

"It's been very effective because what it's allowed law enforcement to do is focus on other things instead of trying to catch drivers using their phones illegally."

Khoury explains that mobile phone use while driving is one of the most heavily penalised offences under Australia’s demerit points system.

ALSO READ: Texting and driving? City of Cape Town to use AI cameras to catch you

Speaking on CapeTalk, the City's Traffic Services spokesperson, Kevin Jacobs, explained that if approved, camera footage would first be analysed to ensure accuracy before any fines were issued.

"Because it's new technology, everything has to be adjudicated and checked," he said.

Khoury explains that similar checks are in place in Australia.

"The government here doesn't just rely on the camera alone. Before the fines are issued, the AI-driven image is then checked by a human to provide that extra level of transparency."

And that's not the only safeguard in place, explains Khoury.

"Also, the driver, if you think you've been fined unfairly, you can request a copy of the image to see for yourself," he says.

To listen to Khoury, use the audio player below: