Sainsbury’s is rolling out AI-powered safety cameras across its online grocery van fleet which record driver safety breaches, as well as collisions.
In each of the supermarket’s 3,800 vans two a new double-facing camera will be installed, which faces both the driver – to record, for example, if they’re not wearing their seatbelt or aren’t looking at the road – and also faces the road, to record incidents such as driving too close to the vehicle in front.
Sainsbury’s said the cameras turn on – displaying a red light when recording – with the ignition and stay on for 10 minutes after the ignition is switched off. The cameras only “actively save footage when there is something to record”, such as a collision, it added.
It is understood if the camera detects a safety breach – such as the driver smoking at the wheel, isn’t wearing their seatbelt, or appears drowsy – it will sound a vocal alert.
The rollout follows a trial earlier this year involving around 100 vans and 300 drivers. During the trial the cameras prompted a 77% reduction in “safety incidents” and a 57% reduction in harsh braking.
“Following a successful trial with hundreds of drivers, we’re rolling out safety cameras across our grocery delivery fleet as part of our ongoing commitment to colleague safety,” a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said. “The results were hugely encouraging.”
“This technology, already widely used by delivery companies, provides real-time hazard alerts and only records when a potential incident is detected,” they added.
The camera rollout will take place between June and October. Once cameras are installed at a distribution site or store, there will be a two-week period before they become fully functional to allow drivers time to adjust to them.
Sainsbury’s said it had consulted with drivers and unions ahead of the wider rollout.
“Usdaw continues to work closely with Sainsbury’s on measures to improve colleague safety and we have seen the benefits of the successful trial of this technology,” said Bally Auluk, Usdaw national officer.
“We recognise the challenges delivery drivers may face on the road and we support steps employers take to help keep colleagues safe and ensure our members are not incorrectly blamed for incidents which are not their fault. It is important that there is clear awareness that vehicles are monitored and we also urge the public to treat our members with the respect they deserve as key workers delivering an essential service.” Auluk added.
The union warned it would be working to “ensure our members are protected and that such technology is only used as intended, for the purposes of improving drivers’ safety”.
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