The UK roads are evolving, as is the approach to tracking driver behaviour. If you’re driving an HGV, you may already have heard of the newest development to the industry: AI-enabled cameras.
These revolutionary monitoring systems, developed to enhance road safety, are being fitted to HGV cabs up and down the country. But while the point is to curb dangerous driving and cut back on accidents, not everyone’s convinced they’re a good thing.
What Are AI Cameras and What Good Are They For?
High-resolution imaging is used, along with artificial intelligence to track driver behaviour. Traditional dashcams primarily focus on recording visual footage for later review, but these AI systems actively monitor real-time data.
They can detect:
- Mobile phone use behind the wheel
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Signs of driver fatigue or distraction
- Potentially impaired driving (such as drink or drug use)
When a possible violation is detected, a human operator reviews the footage before any enforcement action is taken. In some cases the AI Camera can speak to the driver directly to advise on what they should be doing, to improve safety. The goal? To reduce the risk of injury or potential death on the roads by clamping down on reckless driving, with the hope of preventing serious crashes.
Where Are These Cameras Being Used?
AI cameras have already been deployed in various areas in the UK.
In Greater Manchester, a five-week trial captured over 3,200 offenses, while in Humberside, a two-week period saw almost 850 violations, including 301 cases of mobile phone use. The technology has also been tested in Devon and Cornwall, where it was used to identify signs of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
These findings demonstrate just how pervasive certain risky behaviours are on UK roads — and why the authorities are advocating for AI cameras to be a permanent fixture in HGVs and other vehicles.
The Safety Argument
Proponents of the camera systems contend the devices will dramatically improve road safety. The statistics are telling: every year, thousands of accidents are caused by driver distraction and impairment. By identifying these behaviours as they happen, AI technology could help prevent crashes, save lives, and make roads a safer place for all.
And let’s be real — the majority of professional HGV drivers know their duties well already. If AI cameras can help get the ‘bad apples’ off the road, even if only a small percentage of drivers are a risk to others, isn’t that worth it?
The Privacy Debate
Not everyone is on board with AI cameras in HGV cabs. Many drivers feel uncomfortable knowing their every move is being watched, even if they’re doing nothing wrong.
There are also concerns about data privacy. How is this footage stored? Who has access to it? Could it be used against drivers unfairly? These are all valid questions that need clear answers from the companies rolling out this technology.
What This Means for HGV Drivers
If you’re an HGV driver, you’ll need to know about these changes and their potential effect on your day-to-day driving work.
- Increased enforcement: Expect a tougher scrutiny of mobile phone usage and belt-wearing.
- Potential job security risks: Could AI cameras be used to assess driver performance? It’s a possibility that some in the industry are worried about.
- Increased accountability: If the system flags you as fatigued, does that make you liable for working through a long shift?
As the technology advances, cooperation will be necessary between drivers, transport companies and regulators to ensure workers aren’t unfairly targeted by AI monitoring — having it be used as a safety tool rather than unnecessary surveillance.
The Bottom Line
There’s no question that AI-assisted cameras inside HGV cabs will transform the industry. Whether they’re a force for good or an intrusion of privacy remains to be seen. One thing is for certain: technology is changing the face of the future of transport, and eventually, everyone behind the wheel will need to evolve.
At DROPP.UK, we’ll be keeping an eye on developments to make sure drivers are treated fairly while maintaining the highest safety standards. What do you think? Are AI cameras a step in the right direction, or are they just another way to monitor drivers too closely? Let us know your thoughts!