This AI camera will be able to catch drink-drivers

A cutting-edge AI-powered camera that detects drink or drug-impaired drivers is being trialled for the first time in Devon and Cornwall, marking a major leap in road safety technology. Dubbed the “Heads-Up” system, this smart camera uses artificial intelligence to spot suspicious driving patterns that could indicate impairment.

Unlike traditional roadside patrols, the AI camera operates discreetly, identifying potential offenders without them knowing they’ve been caught. Police positioned further up the road are alerted and can then pull over the vehicle to conduct roadside tests for alcohol or drugs.

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Geoff Collins, UK general manager at Acusensus, the company behind the tech, said to RAC: “We are delighted to be conducting the world’s first trials of this technology right here in Devon and Cornwall.”

The AI camera can be rapidly deployed to any road across the counties, with no warning to drivers. For police departments stretched thin across thousands of miles of road, this technology offers a vital new tool in catching impaired motorists before they cause serious harm.

Two cameras are suspended from a high metal gantry that is based on the side of the road but arcs out above and across it. A white van is driving under it. It is a sunny day and fields stretch out in the distance. Image Courtesy of BBC News

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Superintendent Simon Jenkinson, whose team polices over 14,000 miles of roads, emphasised the importance of innovation in their mission to reduce road accidents: “Our officers cannot be everywhere… Embracing emerging technology such as these cameras is vital in that quest.”

The trial comes at a critical time, running throughout December alongside national drink-driving campaigns. With statistics showing drink-drivers are six times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, Devon & Cornwall Police hope this AI-driven approach will save lives and deter risky behavior.

Image Courtesy of BBC News

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The Heads-Up system isn’t Acusensus’ first foray into smart road safety. Their cameras have previously been used to detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, two major contributors to road accidents. This latest innovation, however, tackles one of the most dangerous factors on UK roads: impaired driving.

“We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives,” Collins added.

For younger generations and tech-savvy motorists, this AI-powered approach signals how technology is transforming public safety. While the system may spark privacy debates, its focus on prevention over punishment is hard to ignore. The ability to stop dangerous drivers before they cause harm—without relying solely on random checks—could be a game-changer.

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As part of the Vision Zero South West road safety initiative, the AI trial aligns with a broader push to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the roads. If successful, the system could roll out nationwide, setting a new standard for traffic enforcement powered by AI.

For now, drivers in Devon and Cornwall should take note: the future of road safety has arrived, and it’s watching.