new road camera detecting blood and water may be introduced

Motorists are likely to see a new device on the country's roads in the near future, after an announcement that multi-occupancy lanes are to be introduced more widely. A new road camera that counts car occupants by detecting blood and water content on skin is being tested to enforce the restrictions. The first of the multi-vehicle occupancy lanes opened in Leeds in 1998 on the A647. However, up until now, motorists have been able to deceive cameras by using dummies or large scale photographs of humans. But, the new camera counts humans by detecting the unique 'signature' provided by the blood-water content of human skin.

Its infra-red beam penetrates the windscreen and takes two images of the inside of the vehicle, enumerating the number of people in the vehicle. When a vehicle comes into view the camera installed at the side of the road is triggered by a built-in vehicle detection system. The system is programmed to detect the blood and water levels in skin and then it uses certain algorithms to distinguish faces, as opposed to hands.

However, motoring organisations, including the AA, have doubts about its reliability since different vehicles have different windows and different heat systems. Other motoring organisations have taken issue with the principle of such lanes, citing the lack of available road space as a reason not to extend the original scheme.

For more information contact Tim Williamson, a solicitor in Blake Lapthorn's Drivers' Defence team on 01865 253286; email tim.williamson@bllaw.co.uk.