Police are turning to AI in a bid to make roads safer, with hi-tech cameras being used to spot drivers not wearing seatbelts and illegally using mobile phones.
Several forces have already trialled AI cameras which focus on drivers committing two of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of death and serious injury on our roads. The others are drink and drug-driving, speeding, and careless and inconsiderate driving.
Caught on camera
Sussex Police is the latest force to turn to the technology which Yorkshire Live reports uses Acusensus high-definition mobile cameras to capture sharp images through windscreens during day or night, and in all weather.
The trial started last month and those caught on camera could face fines and points on their licence for flouting the rules.
A spokesperson for the force told Yorkshire Live: “Depending on the eligibility of a driver, the severity and road traffic offence, a course may be offered for the non-wearing of seatbelts as an alternative to a fine or prosecution.
“Using a handheld phone could result in a £200 fine and six penalty points, which could lead to losing a licence.”
Counting the cost
The move comes after a number of serious crashes on the county’s roads caused by drivers not paying attention or suffering serious injuries because they were not wearing a seat belt.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “With 82 collisions involving drivers using mobile phones and 214 people injured due to not wearing a seatbelt in just 12 months, I welcome the use of technology to enhance policing capability and allow Sussex Police to deploy resources more effectively.”
But she warned that the technology alone will not drive the necessary changes.
She said: “We all have a role to play. We must not be afraid to challenge friends, family members or anyone getting behind the wheel if they are using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt.
“Poor decisions put lives at risk and no message or moment of convenience is worth the devastation caused by a fatal collision.”
Changing attitudes
In the same way that drink-driving has become socially unacceptable, communities are also recognising the danger of drivers using mobile phones.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner told Yorkshire Live: “We regularly hear from our communities across Sussex that they are tired of seeing people using their mobile phones while driving, therefore increasing the risk to everyone around them.
“And while we endeavour to respond to these concerns and proactively patrol wherever possible, the reality is we cannot be everywhere all of the time. These AI cameras are not designed to replace modern-day policing, but to enhance it. By embracing the technology available to us, we can build a better picture of driver behaviour, influence behavioural change and take action where necessary.”
AI cameras were trialled in the county by National Highways in 2024, with 458 offences detected in seven days. Of these, 330 were for a driver not wearing a seatbelt, 118 were for a driver using a mobile phone and 10 were for both offences combined.
Safety drive
Chief Constable Shiner added: “It is statistically proven that not wearing a seatbelt and driving while distracted, which includes using a mobile phone, are among the five most-common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads.
“We hope that this new initiative will help to reduce the number of these collisions, which so often cause absolute devastation to victims and their loved ones.”
The aim of the trial is to get people to buckle up whenever they are in a vehicle and not to use handheld mobile phones while they are driving.
There are already penalties for flouting these safety rules and by using AI and enforcement where necessary, they can get the message across.
Receiving points on your licence or a fine could affect your taxi insurance or fleet insurance premiums.
