An AI-powered CCTV camera is being trialled in an effort to combat littering in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The pilot scheme, a collaboration between East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Litter Cam, involves a camera placed on the A164 near the Willerby Roundabout. Its purpose is to record drivers who discard rubbish on the road.

The camera utilises AI software to identify number plates and document instances of littering. The council plans to use this information to contact offenders. Launched this week, the scheme will run for a 12-week period. If successful, the council indicated it would consider a longer-term partnership with Litter Cam, installing more cameras in known litter hotspots throughout the county.

Councillor Lyn Healing, the council’s cabinet member for communities and public protection, stated that the integration of modern technology is a “key element of our strategy”. She added: “Littering is against the law and keeping our streets clean – including our roadsides – costs the council around £4m a year.” Andrew Kemp, chief executive of Litter Cam, said: “We are delighted to be working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, supporting them in tackling the blight of litter.”