£1M AI and Speed Cameras Proposed for Dangerous Devon Road

A significant investment of £1 million in advanced AI technology and speed cameras has been proposed to improve safety on a perilous stretch of the A361 in Devon. This move aims to reduce driver offences and prevent further tragic incidents on the road.

High-Risk Road Under Scrutiny

The A361, which links Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, has been classified as “high risk” by the Department for Transport (DfT). Between 2018 and 2022, the road saw three fatalities and 30 serious injuries, prompting urgent calls for improved safety measures.

Advanced Technology to Target Offences

The proposed AI cameras are designed to detect a range of driving offences, including failing to wear seatbelts and the use of mobile phones while driving. Supporters of the initiative believe these measures could significantly enhance road safety.

In a pilot scheme conducted last August, AI cameras installed on a section of the A361 between Braunton and Barnstaple identified nearly 1,800 potential offences, ranging from seatbelt violations to driver distractions caused by mobile phone use.

Cabinet Decision Pending

Devon County Council’s cabinet is set to decide whether to allocate £1 million from a £5 million DfT grant to implement this technology. If approved, the initiative will include the installation of three fixed speed cameras at strategic locations: Knowle, Ilfracombe, and Ashford. Additionally, two average speed camera systems are planned for stretches between Ashford and Chivenor and between Knowle and Mullacott Cross.

To maximize coverage, the AI cameras will be mounted on mobile units that can be relocated across various sites along the A361.

Further Safety Enhancements

The remaining £4 million of the DfT grant is earmarked for broader improvements to the A361, including upgrades to junctions and better access for pedestrians and cyclists. These enhancements aim to provide a comprehensive approach to safety on this critical road.

A Crucial Step for Road Safety

The proposed measures reflect a growing reliance on technology to combat dangerous driving habits and improve public safety. If successful, the A361 project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the UK.

For more information about road safety improvements and AI technology in traffic enforcement, visit the Department for Transport and Devon County Council websites.