New artificial intelligence technology is being trialled by Highways England along the Blackwater Valley Road, A331, to monitor drivers throwing rubbish out of their windows.
Tackling litter along the A331 is a difficult issue, as the road runs through several local authorities in Hampshire and Surrey. Traffic management is required for every litter pick, usually involving the temporary closure of one lane, for the safety of those working hard to tidy up and clean our local area.
The new technology being trialled will automatically detect littering offences, with footage sent to an enforcement control room, manned by Environmental Officers from local authorities, where personnel will review the images and issue a fine to the individual if they are deemed of committing a littering offence. Fines of up to £100 will then be issued using the individual's car licence plate.
Commenting, Paul Deach, Surrey County Councillor for Mytchett, Frimley Green & Deepcut, said:
"I get a lot of enquiries from residents about litter on the A331. Not only is this harmful to the environment, but it is also problematic and resource intensive to clear because every litter pick involves traffic management.
"As someone who cycles everywhere, I notice a considerable amount of litter on the roadside where it is clear people just chuck it out of their windows. The Pirbright bends are especially bad with an incredible amount of junk, including glass bottles and fast food packaging. Just tossed out of car windows.
"It is astonishing that this exceptionally scuzzy practice is so prolific in our communities, and it's time it is clamped down on hard. In the news, I was delighted to read that Highways England is rolling out AI Camera Technology in a trial aimed at catching people in the act and fining them."
Pictured, the A331 - Blackwater Valley Road
