Somerset is deploying advanced AI cameras on the A361 Frome Bypass, a known crash hotspot, to combat risky driving behaviours. This stretch of road has tragically witnessed six fatalities in the past five years, with four occurring between 2023 and 2024.
Avon and Somerset Police have partnered with Somerset Council’s Road Safety Teams to implement this technology as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety. Approximately 15,000 vehicles travel this route daily, underscoring the importance of effective measures.
The AI cameras can detect drivers using mobile phones and those not wearing seatbelts. During the trial phase, individuals caught by the system will receive warning letters accompanied by educational materials aimed at promoting safer driving habits. Enforcement actions will be considered after the trial period, once the technology has been fully refined.
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Recent improvements to the area include upgrades to the A361/A362 junction, such as refreshed road markings, enhanced signage, the replacement of give-way signs with stop signs, and extended double white lines to control vehicle movement.
Somerset Council is also commissioning a review to explore further safety enhancements at the junction.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “The number of serious and fatal collisions on this stretch of road is alarming, and the community rightly expects us and the police to find solutions to drastically reduce these incidents,” he said. “Too many families have suffered the heartache of losing loved ones.”
He added that while the full details of recent incidents remain unclear, it is evident from collaboration with police and local communities that reckless behaviours, including mobile phone use and distracted driving, continue to pose serious risks.
Although the AI system is capable of detecting speeding, its speed enforcement function is currently limited to data collection, as it lacks Home Office Type Approval certification.
The software uses cutting-edge learning algorithms and advanced image analysis to deliver real-time alerts of violations, which are then reviewed by officers for appropriate follow-up.
Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman of Avon and Somerset Police emphasized the technology’s potential impact: “Last year, 52 people lost their lives in 47 fatal road incidents across Avon and Somerset, with many others seriously injured. These tragedies not only devastate families but also put immense pressure on emergency services.”
He added, “By combining innovative detection systems with community engagement, AI cameras represent a significant advancement in road safety technology, helping to identify and deter dangerous driving behaviours before they result in loss of life.”