Careless driving and distracted driving. The Ministry of Transportation and the Police aim to crack down on these two serious traffic offenses are what the Ministry of Transport and the Police aim to crack down on through the pilot installation of AI-powered traffic surveillance cameras on Cypriot roads.

Traffic Police Director Haris Evripidou explained on the Alpha News program that careless driving and distracted driving are the leading causes of fatal and serious traffic accidents. He noted that the purpose of AI-powered surveillance cameras is to detect whether a driver is holding a cell phone, possibly to watch a video.

“If someone doesn’t have their hands on the steering wheel and is scrolling, for example, The camera can clearly see and record this. First, a supervisor from the private company will review the footage, and if a violation is detected, it will be forwarded to a police officer who will confirm the violation. Once confirmed, a formal notice will be sent.”

The most likely location for the first pilot AI-powered surveillance camera is the intersection of Griva Digeni Avenue and the road to Engomi, in the “heart” of Nicosia.

READ ALSO: The first AI-powered camera is coming: In which district will it be installed?