Manchester trial of new technology could pave way for other forces.

Greater Manchester is set to trial advanced camera technology that automatically detects distracted drivers, and the system could eventually make its way to Blackpool. While Blackpool currently operates a limited number of traffic enforcement cameras in the town centre, there are no immediate plans to implement this new technology. However, Lancashire Police may consider adopting it if the trial proves successful.

The ‘Heads Up’ technology, developed by Acusensus, utilizes cameras that capture footage of vehicles as they pass by. The images are then processed by AI to identify drivers who may be using a mobile phone or not wearing a seat belt. If the AI detects a potential offence, the footage is flagged for a secondary human review to confirm the violation. If no offence is found, the image is immediately deleted by the software.

This trial comes amid growing concerns about distracted driving, which research shows can increase the risk of a crash by four times when using a phone, and doubles the likelihood of death in a crash if not wearing a seatbelt. The technology aims to make the roads safer by catching these violations in real time.

The initiative follows Greater Manchester’s ‘Touch.Screen’ campaign launched earlier this year to highlight the dangers of phone use while driving. The campaign has been backed by individuals affected by distracted driving, including Calvin Buckley, whose partner Frankie Julia Hough and their unborn daughter Neeve were tragically killed in a collision caused by a speeding driver who was filming himself while driving.

While Blackpool or Lancashire has no current plans to implement distraction cameras, the Lancashire Police may look closely at the results of the Greater Manchester trial as they consider future strategies for improving road safety across the region.