Artificial intelligence is transforming the way European countries approach road safety. France has presented an ambitious plan for 2025 that seeks to implement smart radars on a large scale, while other European countries already have similar technologies. As smart radars prepare to monitor French roads, the rest of Europe is observing, adapting and debating how to use this technology for a safer future behind the wheel.
New radars with artificial intelligence in France
The French authorities have set themselves the goal of modernising the traffic camera network by 2025. The country plans to increase its fleet to 4,160 cameras with an investment of 46 million euros. These new devices will be equipped with artificial intelligence, which will enable them to detect three additional offences: not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for each of these is 135 euros and the loss of three points on your driving licence.
The technology behind these radars is impressive. They use advanced algorithms to analyse images in real time, combined with systems such as Doppler antennas that can monitor up to 126 vehicles simultaneously over a stretch of 100 metres and five lanes. In the case of offences such as using a mobile phone or not wearing a seat belt, human validation will still be necessary, with the aim of reducing errors. The French government defends this measure as a step forward in road safety, aiming to reduce road deaths. Mobile phone use and not wearing a seat belt are recurring factors in serious accidents and smart radars could deter these behaviours.
However, not everyone is in favour. Associations such as ‘40 million motorists’ have raised their voices criticising the revenue-raising approach of the plan. In 2023, traffic fines generated more than two billion euros, a figure that fuels criticism of the government’s true intentions. The debate on privacy is also on the table: to what extent is it acceptable for AI to analyse every movement of drivers?
Use of AI in road safety in Europe
France is not alone in its commitment to AI. Other European countries have already taken significant steps in this direction, integrating artificial intelligence into traffic radars and offence detection devices. Here are some examples:
- The UK has integrated AI cameras into almost half of its traffic control systems. Technologies such as Acusensus‘ “Heads Up” detect mobile phone use and seat belt non-use through image analysis, with impressive results. These cameras combine AI with human supervision to issue fines, and their use is expanding to address more complex behaviours. The British approach prioritises deterrence, and early results show a reduction in traffic accidents in pilot areas.
- The Netherlands uses AI not only to penalise, but also to manage traffic. Companies such as Parquery and Vialis have replaced traditional sensors with smart cameras that identify vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles, adjusting traffic lights in real time. In addition, AI radars control speed and safety distances, contributing to an efficient and safe road system. In the Netherlands, the technology is perceived as a tool for prevention rather than punishment.
- In Germany, the Fraunhofer Institute is leading projects such as ‘KI4LSA’ and ‘KI4PED’, which use artificial intelligence to optimise traffic lights and protect pedestrians in cities such as Lemgo and Bielefeld. These initiatives use cameras and radar sensors with deep learning algorithms to analyse traffic, reducing delays and improving safety. Although the current approach is not to penalise, the technology could be adapted to detect offences.
- Spain has deployed radars and cameras with AI under the supervision of the Directorate General of Traffic. In cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, these devices detect mobile phone use and seat belt non-use, but fines are issued after a human review of the images.
- Sweden and Denmark are exploring AI for traffic analysis and accident prevention. Italy, for its part, applies artificial intelligence in low emission zones (ZTL).
The trend is clear: AI is redefining road safety. France is committed to mass deployment and sanctions, the UK prioritises deterrence, the Netherlands efficiency and Germany advocates prevention. However, they all face similar challenges: the accuracy of AI, public acceptance and privacy.
In the context of the European Union, initiatives such as the ‘European AI Strategy’ promote these innovations, but also demand an ethical balance. Australia, a global leader in the use of this technology, has reduced road accidents by 18% with the deployment of the world’s most advanced AI radars. In Europe, success will depend on demonstrating that smart radars save lives, not just fill public coffers.