More than 600 drivers caught by new AI cameras

Over 600 drivers have been caught out by new AI cameras designed to spy on drivers while behind the wheel. The new AI cameras can zoom into cockpits, keeping an eye on what drivers are doing while travelling.

In particular, the technology is able to quickly identify if individuals are using a mobile phone while driving or if they have forgotten to use their seatbelts. According to motoring experts at Bumper, the cameras found that a staggering 590 road users were caught not wearing their seatbelt while behind the wheel. Meanwhile, 40 individuals were found using their phones while driving in a serious breach of the rules.

It means around 630 individuals have been caught on the cameras before a further roll-out of the technology is expected.

Bumper explained: “Initial results suggest the technology is effective - within just a few weeks, the trial cameras caught 590 drivers without seatbelts and 40 using their phones.

“The programme has now expanded in 2024 to include 10 police forces across the country, covering areas such as Durham, Greater Manchester, and Sussex.”

“With so many drivers caught not wearing their belts and on their phones, the results speak for themselves - the more drivers fined for these simple errors, the fewer accidents we'll see, making our roads a safer place for everyone.”

The new 4D radar and high-resolution cameras can monitor up to six lanes of traffic at once. According to the RAC, the cameras are linked to DVLA and UK police databases at all times.

This means the tool can check tax and insurance status and help officers prosecute drivers who are breaking the rules. Using a mobile phone while driving will usually see road users being slapped with a £200 fine and six penalty points.

However, this can rise to £1,000 or even £2,500 if the case is taken to court. Meanwhile, not wearing a seatbelt will see motorists issued a £100 fine, but this can rise to £500 under some circumstances.

Bumper added: “Unlike traditional cameras that only monitor speed, these smart devices detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, aiming to crack down on distractions behind the wheel.

“The system uses a multi-camera setup to capture different views of the driver and passengers, with artificial intelligence analysing the footage to detect speed-related offences. However, any violations flagged by AI must still be reviewed and verified by police officers before fines are issued.”