THE world’s first AI speed camera has been put up in Britain — and can spy on drivers inside their cars.
The 10in unit’s “4D” radar and super-resolution cameras are able to spot motorists on mobile phones or without seat belts — and can also detect if too many people are inside.
As well as dishing out fines for speeding and jumping red lights, 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.
The solar-powered gizmos have enough energy to work overnight.
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Critics have branded the camera “Big Brother’s cash machine”.
Brian Gregory, from the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “It’s clear that 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”
The camera has been installed on the busy A23 in Lambeth, South London, as part of a Transport for London trial before it can be given Home Office approval.
Makers Redspeed International say on their website: “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.”
Lawyer Nick Freeman — who specialises in motoring offences and is known as Mr Loophole — said: “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.”
Campaigner Jake Hurfurt, Head of Research & Investigations at Big Brother Watch, said: “This kind of intrusive and creepy surveillance which treats every passer-by as a potential suspect is excessive and normalising. It poses a threat to everyone’s privacy.
“People should be free to go about their lives without being analysed by faceless AI systems.”
There are around 7,000 speed cameras across the UK — although up to half can be switched off at any one time.
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London has just under 1,000 and mayor Sadiq Khan has pushed for more.
Safety groups say figures show fatalities within 1,600ft of cameras have fallen by 58 per cent.
But critics say they are used as money-spinners, with £45.7million collected in 2021-2022 alone.
Last night TfL insisted the “AI functionality” was not currently in use and no tickets would be issued during the trial period.
