AI safety cameras able to detect road offences expand across UK

National Highways and police forces in 10 regions are extending a trial of the cameras that can spot drivers using their mobile phones and motorists not wearing seatbelts.

A trial began in 2021 but is being extended across 10 police forces across England.

Drivers are four times more likely to be in a crash if they use a mobile phone while driving, yet 400,000 drivers a year still use a device behind the wheel, Department for Transport data shows.

And drivers are twice as likely to die in a car crash if they aren't wearing a seatbelt.

The regions taking part in the trial are:

The AI cameras are mounted on a vehicle or trailer at the side of the road in a higher position than standard speed cameras so they can see into vehicles.

Cameras will also be fixed to motorway gantries to gain unobscured views of all the lanes.

Offenders will be sent letters from National Highways warning them of the dangers of using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is six points on a licence and a £200 fine.

The trial is being carried out with the view to roll out the systems across the country.

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said drivers are prepared to put lives at risk by using their phones because they have "no fear of being caught".

He added: “AI-equipped cameras that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a chance for the tide to be turned.

“The police can’t be everywhere all of the time, so it makes sense that forces look to the best available technology that can help them catch drivers acting illegally.

“What’s more, we know from RAC research that drivers are widely supportive of tougher enforcement of the law around handheld mobile phone use, with nearly half of these (47%) saying that camera technology like this is the best way of doing so.”

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