New AI camera catches almost 300 mobile phone, seatbelt offences in three days

A new free-standing AI road safety camera detected almost 300 mobile phone and seatbelt offences in just three days in Devon last month, according to road safety partnership Vision Zero South West.

It is the first time this system from tech firm Acusensus has been used in the UK, and follows a 15-day trial of a larger, vehicle-based system last year.

The new free-standing system can be "easily moved" and "deployed at various locations across Devon and Cornwall, providing 24/7 monitoring".

Although the cameras use artificial intelligence, all images are reportedly reviewed by a human.

If an offence has been correctly identified, the driver will either be sent a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution, depending on the severity.

Head of Road Safety at Devon and Cornwall Police Adrian Leisk said: "When we trialled this technology last year, we were disappointed by the number of drivers detected not wearing seatbelts – particularly as we continue to see serious and fatal collisions involving people... not wearing seatbelts.

"The early results from our latest deployment show that there is also a problem with mobile phone use behind the wheel, which is both dangerous and illegal.

"We are employing this new technology to send a clear message to anyone who continues to use their phone behind the wheel – you will get caught."