Smart traffic cams to catch smartphone use while driving

From today the police will use so-called smart traffic cameras to catch drivers using their phones and other electronic devices while driving. The intention is to reduce distractions behind the wheel and thereby increase road safety, the police said in a statement.

Through artificial intelligence, these smart cameras can recognize if a driver is holding a mobile electronic device - smartphone, tablet, navigation system, among others - while driving. The camera takes a photo of the offender and the license plate of the vehicle. These images are assessed by a police officer, to check whether the camera was correct. And a fine of 240 euros is then sent to the offender.

If the owner of the car was not the one driving, they can get rid of the fine by telling the police who the person driving was.

"Paying attention in traffic is important. Because distraction can have life-threatening consequences. Too many people are still killed and injured in traffic in general and by distraction in particular", project manager Egbert-Jan van Hasselt said. "The approach to distraction is therefore a top priority. To achieve enforcement on a large scale, we are always looking for innovative ways."