'You're being watched every second of the day': Residents divided over AI traffic cameras in Wolverhampton

The use of artificial intelligence to catch motorists breaking the law has divided opinion among residents, with some welcoming the technology as a way of improving road safety and others raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.

An AI-monitored traffic camera in Wolverhampton, being used to identify offences such as motorists using mobile phones behind the wheel or failing to wear seatbelts, has sparked debate over whether the technology should be rolled out more widely.

Read more: Two-week AI camera trial in Wolverhampton uncovers thousands of suspected driving offences

While some residents believe the cameras could help prevent serious accidents and deter dangerous driving, others fear the technology could leave motorists under constant surveillance and put personal information at risk.

Among those welcoming the initiative was Julie Brooks, 44, from Sedgley, who said she regularly witnessed dangerous behaviour on the roads.

She said: "(It’s) definitely a brilliant idea. I don't drive myself, but the amount of people that I see on phones, messing about with makeup, doing their makeup in the morning, school runs and things like that, and just not really paying attention whatsoever.

"I had someone a few weeks back on the traffic lights, just by where we are, nearly run me and my little girl over, and if I didn't pull her out of the way, he would have just gone straight over the lights because he was too busy messing on his phone."

Julie believes the cameras could make a significant difference in areas such as Sedgley High Street, where she fears children are particularly vulnerable.

She added: "It would stop so many road traffic injuries, I reckon. And also, it will cut down and deter the people who are actually committing crimes using mobile phones and not paying attention on the roads."

Linda Price, 73, from Cinder Hill, was also supportive of the technology, highlighting concerns about motorists failing to wear seatbelts and becoming distracted behind the wheel.

She suggested busy local routes, including Dovedale Road, could benefit from additional monitoring.

Meanwhile, Robert, 77, from Sedgley, pointed to The Northway as a road where he believed greater safety measures were long overdue.

However, not everyone was convinced that AI monitoring was necessary.

Mick Clifford, 76, from Wolverhampton, said he was already aware of the technology but was largely unconcerned by its introduction.

Asked whether the possibility of cameras being hacked and personal details being exposed worried him, he said: "I suppose, when you put the question to me, yes, but you can get hacked with anything, can't you?"

Others expressed more serious reservations about the amount of information potentially collected by the technology.

Gavin Cottrill, 43, from Wolverhampton, questioned whether enough safeguards were in place to protect motorists' personal data.

He said: "It's just mad because it's hard to control, and there's a lot of breaches. There's a lot of data there with people's registrations, their addresses, a lot of risk really involved in it."

He argued that authorities needed to ensure personal information was properly protected before expanding the use of AI.

Gavin also questioned whether technology should replace traditional policing on busy roads.

He said: "Realistically, it should be boots on the ground, shouldn't it? Police officers out there rather than letting the camera decide whether he's on the phone or not.

"Because where's the line drawn then?"

Despite his reservations, he suggested major routes into Wolverhampton city centre and the ring road could benefit from additional road safety measures, particularly given the amount of congestion.

Leander, 47, from Dudley, shared similar concerns about relying too heavily on artificial intelligence.

She said: "I'm not a great fan of AI, and I think we should be very careful how we use AI actually.

"I do think AI has got a place, but I think we should be more vigilant in what we do to use these kinds of tools that we have in the modern world.

"I think we always need a backup system. And I think the problem is we're depending too much on AI now. There's a fine line, isn't there?"

Jide, 49, from Wolverhampton, was more optimistic about its potential, although he acknowledged the concerns surrounding privacy.

He said: "I'm slightly conflicted because I think AI cameras can be used for good, but I'm slightly concerned about the invasion of privacy part, where individuals' rights are kind of affected.

"But overall, I think it's a good thing if it helps protect our roads and protects people walking on the streets."

He suggested the Wolverhampton ring road could benefit from monitoring, having witnessed what he believed to be motorists deliberately speeding or competing with one another.

He added: "If the cameras can help reduce such a level of dangerous driving, that would be good."

But Daniel, 41, from Coven, who drives for a living, was firmly opposed to the increased use of camera surveillance.

He said the technology left him feeling as though motorists were being watched constantly, regardless of whether they were breaking the law.

Asked whether he had concerns about privacy, he said: "Well, yeah, of course. You've got no privacy."

He added: "You've got these new yellow cameras tracking everything. You're on your phone, I know it's illegal, but you're being watched every second of the day, basically."

The contrasting views highlight the debate surrounding the growing use of artificial intelligence on Britain's roads.

While supporters hope the technology will help tackle dangerous driving and prevent accidents, critics believe greater safeguards and human oversight are needed to ensure motorists' privacy is protected.

And with residents identifying roads across Wolverhampton, Sedgley and Dudley where they believe safety could be improved, the question remains whether AI cameras will become an increasingly common sight across the Black Country.

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