Junction sees huge cut in near misses thanks to AI-powered safety technology

Near misses between drivers, pedestrians and cyclists have been cut by more than 88% at a Coventry road junction thanks to sensors that use the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost safety. 

The AI technology was used by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to analyse real-world near misses at the junction of Grange Road and Anderton Road in Longford and work out how these could be reduced.. 

The resulting pedestrian refuge, installed by Coventry City Council using TfWM funding, has slowed down turning traffic and dramatically reduced the risk of collisions. 

News of the success of the AI sensors comes as the region marks National Road Safety Week. 

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One life lost on our roads is one too many. That’s why I’m committed to Vision Zero – no more deaths on our roads. 

“We need to use every tool available to make journeys safer for everyone and this new AI technology is helping us prevent collisions before they happen. 

“Coventry is leading the way as the first place to roll out new safety measures that have been guided by AI, and the results show how this technology really can improve safety and save lives."

Average vehicle speeds where a near miss has been recorded at the junction have fallen from 14-16mph to 10.5-12.5mph. The pedestrian refuge has also forced drivers not to cut the corner when turning into Anderton Road from Grange Road. 

The AI-powered vision sensors work by detecting and recording near misses, such as when a vehicle passes within inches of a slower moving pedestrian or cyclist. This means potential collision hot spots can be identified before someone is actually hurt. 

Traditionally, highway authorities had to use data from actual collisions to identify safety issues, meaning someone generally had to be hurt – or worse – before a danger hotspot could be pinpointed. 

At Grange Road, sensor footage from before the refuge was installed showed vehicles stopping just inches from people crossing the road – including a mother with a child in a pushchair and a dog walker. 

It is one of 40 sensors that have been installed at junctions across the region as part of a pilot to assess the near miss and smart road safety technology. 

Given the success of the pilot, TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is working with VivaCity, who developed the technology, and local councils to investigate issues and potential solutions at more sites across the region. Reviews of similar t-junctions are also underway. 

Mat MacDonald, the region’s Road Safety Commissioner, said: "It should never take a death or serious injury before we fix roads that are putting people in danger. In partnership with Vivacity, this pilot shows exactly how we can anticipate, measure and mitigate these harms before tragedy strikes for yet another family. It's a shining example of the determination we have, under Mayor Parker's leadership, to use every tool in the box when it comes to preventing the senseless losses which play out too frequently on our streets." 

Cllr Patricia Hetherton, cabinet member for city services, Coventry City Council said: "Coventry is proud to be at the forefront of road safety innovation. By combining AI sensors with practical measures like the new pedestrian refuge, we’ve cut near misses at Grange Road by more than 88%. Slowing turning traffic and protecting pedestrians and cyclists shows how technology, funding from West Midlands Combined Authority, and local action can work together to save lives and make our streets safer for everyone." 

Mark Nicholson, VivaCity’s CEO, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see an 88% reduction in near misses at Grange Road, highlighting the dedication and vision of the TfWM and WMCA teams.  

“At VivaCity, we’re proud to be their partner in this journey, using our evolving Near Miss and Smart Road Safety technology to help make roads safer for everyone. Our work together has already received four prestigious UK and international awards, validating the importance of shifting to proactive road safety management to save lives.” 

The AI near-miss sensors build on the Regional Road Safety Action Plan’s broader crackdown on dangerous driving, complementing other actions such as funding for extra staff to review speed cameras and dashcam footage. 

The ground-breaking AI project has won a series of awards, including: 

• The Department for Transport’s Special Recognition Award 2025 in the ‘Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector’ and 'Better Safety Through Technology' categories
• 'Best Project of the Year' at the ITS UK Awards 2024 
• ‘Most Promising Project’ at the 2025 International Invention and Innovation Competition.