AI camera targeting U-turns at crash hotspot

A camera that uses artificial intelligence technology to detect dangerous U-turns has been installed at a crash hotspot.

Vision Zero South West, a road safety partnership involving 17 different organisations, said the camera on the Hayle bypass section of the A30 in Cornwall was the first of its kind to be used in the UK.

It said the camera was installed by National Highways in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council at a spot where 10 crashes involving U-turns had happened since 2014 - leading to one death.

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for the police force, said the device had "become necessary" as motorists had ignored a ban on U-turns there.

"While a U-turn may seem like an innocent manoeuvre, the collision history on this particular stretch of road shows just how dangerous they can be," he said.

Oliver Dash, senior road safety engineer at National Highways, said the camera would be used primarily to monitor traffic movements and manoeuvres.

"Safety is our first priority, and the vast majority of drivers who use our roads every day are sensible and respectful," he said.

"But sadly there are some road users who are putting themselves and others at risk.

"We understand waiting in queues during periods of congestion can be frustrating, but carrying out U-turns on a road such as the Hayle bypass is incredibly dangerous."

Recent incidents have included a coach carrying out a U-turn on the stretch, going across solid white lines on the road, video of which was published on social media.

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