A hi-tech speed camera has been created which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to look inside the vehicle and detect any illegal activities is going on trial in the UK. The new ‘4D’ radar is able to spot if people are on their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, according to reports.

The Redspeed Sentio camera can be linked to DVLA and police databases to check tax and insurance on the spot. It can monitor six lanes night and day and be combined with other units to check average speeds from a fixed position.

It can also spot drivers jumping red lights - and in all cases, sending out fines instantly. A camera has been installed on the busy A23 in Lambeth, South London, as part of a Transport for London trial, while it awaits the green light from the Home Office.

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A statement online by makers of the camera, Redspeed International, reads: “Redspeed Sentio is designed to be whatever camera you want it to be. In combining several key enforcement applications and having AI at its heart, Redspeed Sentio has the built-in modular flexibility, capability and scalability to meet virtually any future challenge.”

There are around 7,000 speed cameras across the UK. Up to half can be switched off at any one time.

Brian Gregory, from the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “It’s clear the hollow assurances the motoring public was given about speed cameras being used exclusively to prevent accidents was always a total sham. The objective is actually to maximise their revenue-generating potential”

Lawyer Nick Freeman — who specialises in motoring offences and is known as Mr Loophole — told the publication: “As drivers we are all becoming sitting ducks. This could just be a step too far. It could help alleviate the lack of police on our roads. But we will always be missing something when we don’t have that human element.”

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