AI technology identifies road safety risks in the West Midlands

A pilot scheme using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect near misses between vehicles and pedestrians is underway in the West Midlands. The initiative aims to improve road safety by identifying high-risk locations before serious collisions occur.

VivaCity’s AI-powered vision sensors have been installed across the region, detecting instances where vehicles pass dangerously close to pedestrians or cyclists. The data collected helps to pinpoint potential accident hotspots, enabling preventative safety measures to be implemented.

A total of 40 existing sensors have been upgraded with the new AI technology, which analyses the speed and trajectory of objects to estimate collision risks. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and VivaCity are using this information to inform safety interventions.

Traditionally, road safety improvements have been based on historical collision data. This new approach allows authorities to take proactive steps to prevent accidents before they happen.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, stated: “One life lost on our roads is one too many. That’s why I’m committed to Vision Zero – no more deaths on our roads.

“We need to use every tool available to make journeys safer for everyone in the West Midlands. This new AI technology is helping us prevent collisions before they happen, protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. And Coventry is leading the way as the first place to roll out measures that have been guided by high-tech AI.

“But our work doesn’t stop there. That’s why I appointed the UK’s first dedicated road safety commissioner – Mat MacDonald – to make sure the voices of communities are heard and to drive action that will prevent more tragedies on our roads.”

According to provisional figures, road deaths in the West Midlands have decreased by 12% over the last two years. However, 43% of all fatalities were pedestrians, highlighting the need for further safety measures.

Mat MacDonald, the region’s Road Safety Commissioner, commented: “These exciting new technologies will allow us to build a clearer picture of where life and limb is most at risk on our road network, facilitating effective and targeted interventions before it becomes too late for yet another family in our region.

“Instead of waiting for tragedy to unfold, we will be able to allocate resources in a way that reduces the chance of a collision occurring in the first place.

“Acting pre-emptively at danger hotspots to tackle speeds, reduce the volume of traffic and improve physical protections for the most vulnerable road users will without doubt reduce deaths and serious injuries in collisions, which must be our overarching focus.”

The AI sensors complement the wider Regional Road Safety Action Plan, which includes additional funding for reviewing speed camera footage and dashcam submissions. Coventry City Council is among the local authorities using the data to guide road safety improvements.

The council has announced plans to install a pedestrian refuge on Grange Road, Coventry, after AI sensors recorded multiple near misses at the location. Councillor Patricia Hetherton, cabinet member for city services, said: “I’m pleased that we could partner with the combined authority and VivaCity on this road safety initiative. Anything that helps us prevent accidents or reduce their severity is welcomed by me. And as a result of this new clever technology and some cash from Transport for West Midlands, we will be narrowing the junction at Grange Road and adding a refuge in the middle so pedestrians can cross in two parts.

“Of course, we still need a focus on dealing with areas where accidents have happened – but this new technology will be really helpful as part of a co-ordinated approach to improving the safety of all road users in Coventry.”

VivaCity CEO Mark Nicholson said: “We’re proud to be a part of this award-winning collaboration with WMCA and TfWM. The deployment of our advanced near miss technology is redefining how authorities can proactively monitor road safety, identifying potential incidents before they escalate.

“What’s particularly significant is that TfWM is already acting on these early insights, with infrastructure improvements and behaviour-change initiatives in progress. This proactive approach is setting a new standard for road safety, paving the way for safer, smarter streets across the entire region.”

The project has received industry recognition, winning the Department for Transport’s Special Recognition Award in the ‘Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector’ category, as well as two awards at the ITS UK Awards 2024. It has also been nominated for an international road safety innovation competition in Morocco later this month.

The initiative comes as the UK government accelerates efforts to increase AI adoption across multiple sectors. Last month, an AI action plan was launched to promote the technology’s role in economic growth, job creation, and public safety.

Image from VivaCity…VivaCity CRO Rob Stait, speaking with Mayor Richard Parker and Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald.