Michelle ThompsonHighlights:
- Kent County Council intends to utilize artificial intelligence to identify and apprehend drivers who exceed the speed limit.
- This technology could also have applications in identifying deteriorating roads and identifying individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness among the local residents.
- Council leader Roger Gough expressed that AI has the potential to assist in “enhancing our comprehension of how we can better serve our community.”
According to newly released policy documents, a local council plans to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for multiple purposes. Kent County Council intends to deploy AI to detect speeding motorists and also to identify deteriorating roads and residents who may be at risk of homelessness.
Council leader Roger Gough explained that this initiative stems from the remarkable growth of AI and its potential to enhance the council’s operations. He believes it can lead to a deeper understanding of how they can better serve the local population.
Additionally, the technology could be applied to gather data on how residents in independent living situations interact with their environment, identify council staff members who might be considering leaving their positions, and catch drivers exceeding speed limits. The council’s policy papers specifically mention using AI to pinpoint road segments where drivers do not adhere to newly implemented speed limits, helping determine where further action may be necessary.
A collaborative group of innovative concepts or a collection of promising and creative ideas.
The council mentioned that the ServiceNow Chatbot could assist in streamlining their responses to public inquiries, locating relevant forms, and addressing staff queries related to computer systems or human resources. It has the capability to redirect staff to a human adviser if it cannot provide the necessary assistance.
In addition, the council is currently testing the use of drones for inspections of vegetation, water resources, power infrastructure, and roadside utilities, all without requiring human personnel.
Councillor Antony Hook expressed approval for the AI document but urged greater involvement of younger staff members whose ideas could contribute to a “collection of innovative concepts.”
The document clarified that there were no financial implications associated with the development or establishment of the interim policy. However, it noted that individual council projects involving AI technology would inevitably have their own cost considerations integrated into their respective business cases and project plans.
