A new AI camera designed to detect dangerous U-turns has been installed at a collision hotspot in Cornwall. The camera is the first of its kind to be used in the UK to spot U-turns, reports Rewind Radio, and is currently in use on the Hayle Bypass section of the A30.

It has been installed by National Highways in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council, all of whom are members of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.

National Highways implemented a U-turn ban on this stretch of road in 2021 following a series of serious collisions – as well as numerous complaints from local road users. Since 2014 there have been 10 collisions as a direct result of U-turns on this route. These collisions have resulted in one death, six people seriously injured and a further 13 with slight injuries.

Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety at Devon and Cornwall Police, said:

“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. Despite the U-turn ban and prominent signage, a small minority of road users continue to make dangerous decisions on this route, which is why these cameras have become necessary.

“Devon and Cornwall Police will not hesitate to take action against anyone caught making an illegal U-turn. Please, don’t risk it.”

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said:

“Earlier this year we adopted our new Road Safety Strategy with the goal of eliminating all deaths on Cornwall roads by 2050, and tackling known accident blackspots like this will help us achieve that aim.

“Every accident that happens on our roads has a personal cost, it has a social cost, and it has an economic cost, and we will continue to work with our partners and to utilise new technology to tackle the problem.”

(Picture: Vision Zero South West)