The van isn’t hard to miss as it features a large metal pole sticking out of its roof with a gantry at the top that houses cameras and sensors.
This creates the perfect elevated position for the van’s artificial intelligence to monitor traffic for offending drivers.
The van can detect if you are:
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Using your mobile phone
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Allowing a small child to sit upfront.
On trial
The trial will see the van deployed by the Warwickshire police on motorways and major A roads from July 11 for the next three months.
If you’re snapped breaking the law, you will initially receive a warning letter saying you could be fined and awarded points. You’ll also be asked to complete a survey for the National Highways.
If you do continue to flout the law, you will then be prosecuted. Remember, it’s up to £500 for not wearing your seatbelt and a £200 fine and six points on your licence if you are spotted using your mobile.
Belt up!
Sadly, this kind of technology is genuinely required on our roads.
For example, the latest road casualty data shows that in 2020, 23% of car occupant fatalities were not wearing a seatbelt.
“Safety remains our top priority," explains National Highways’ Jeremy Phillips, “and we want everyone to get to their destination safely. Sadly, there are still drivers who do not feel the need to wear a seatbelt, become distracted by their phones or travel too close to the vehicle in front."
Change attitudes
By using the new technology, Phillips hopes to “change driver behaviour and therefore improve road safety for everyone. Our advice is clear; please leave enough space, buckle up and give the road your full attention.”
That advice gets a two-thumbs up from Theory Test Pro.
Ace Your Theory Test
Double your chances of theory test success with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.