Motorist 'cuddling' dog while driving lands them in trouble on A361

A motorist on the A361 at Barnstaple has been issued a notice of intended prosecution after being photographed driving with one hand while holding their dog.

The image was captured by a mobile artificial intelligence (AI)‑enabled camera, part of a road safety initiative introduced in mid‑2024 to detect drivers using mobile phones or failing to wear seatbelts. 

While the system flagged the unusual behaviour, images from the camera are reviewed by human operators before any enforcement action is taken to ensure there is sufficient evidence of an offence.

Devon and Cornwall Road Safety officials said the driver’s actions, holding a pet while driving, clearly compromised vehicle control and created a safety risk for themselves, their dog, and other road users. 

The registered keeper has been sent a notice of intended prosecution for not being in proper control of a vehicle.

The AI camera works by analysing images to detect potential offences, which are then checked by trained operators. 

Only once a human reviewer is satisfied that an offence has occurred will a notice of intended prosecution be issued. 

Officials emphasised that the system is not designed to replace traditional policing but to support road safety efforts.

Road safety experts stressed that distractions, including unrestrained pets, increase the risk of collisions. 

Drivers are being reminded to use suitable restraints for animals, whether travelling in a family car or larger vehicles such as SUVs, to keep both pets and humans safe.