AI cameras used to detect drivers on their phone

4 hours ago

George CardenSouth East

Sussex Police are trialling AI cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones

Sussex Police A metal box on the side of the road which is on wheels, it has a large pole rising above it which had cameras looking at an busy country road. — Sussex Police are trialling AI cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones

Artificial intelligence (AI) cameras will be used to detect drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt in East and West Sussex.

Sussex Police is implementing the scheme on 13 April following a trial by National Highways in 2024, which detected 458 offences across seven days in the county.

The force said it would take action "where necessary" but the cameras were also to build a better picture of driver behaviour and influence behavioural change.

The cameras will remain in place for several weeks before being reviewed.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs' Council, said communities across the county were "tired of seeing people using their mobile phones whilst 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," she said.

"These AI cameras are not designed to replace modern day policing, but to enhance it."

All identified offences will be subject to review and may result in an educational course referral, fixed penalty notice, penalty points or prosecution.

An illustration of the cameras, which are mounted to a vehicle or trailer

National Highways An illustration of a car driving past a van with the cameras attached to a large pole above it — An illustration of the cameras, which are mounted to a vehicle or trailer

The cameras have previously been criticised regarding privacy concerns about people being monitored in their cars, as well as the need for human intervention with the cameras.

The cameras, which are supplied by Acusensus, are funded through Sussex Police's road safety recovery costs, which include proceeds from speed awareness courses.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said there had been 82 crashed involving drivers using mobile phones in 12 months.

"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," she said.

"Poor decisions put lives at risk, and no message or moment of convenience is worth the devastation caused by a fatal collision."

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