New AI Cameras Hit Roads in England from Monday with £200 Fine for Drivers
New AI-powered cameras are being deployed on roads across England starting Monday, as part of a major crackdown on dangerous driving behaviours. Sussex Police has become the latest force to implement this advanced technology, specifically designed to detect motorists using handheld mobile phones or failing to wear seatbelts.
Targeting Two Key Offences
The cameras, supplied by technology company Acusensus, are funded through Sussex Police's road safety recovery costs, which include proceeds from speed awareness courses. These high-definition cameras feature infrared flash capabilities, enabling them to capture clear images through vehicle windscreens regardless of time of day or weather conditions.
"We regularly hear from our communities across Sussex that they are tired of seeing people using their mobile phones whilst driving, therefore increasing the risk to everyone around them," said Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who also serves as the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs' Council.
Enforcement and Penalties
The force has outlined specific consequences for offenders:
- Using a handheld phone while driving could result in a £200 fine and six penalty points, which may lead to license suspension for some drivers
- For seatbelt offences, eligible drivers may be offered educational courses as an alternative to fines or prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence
"These AI cameras are not designed to replace modern day policing, but to enhance it," Chief Constable Shiner emphasized. "By embracing the technology available to us, we can build a better picture of driver behaviour, influence behavioural change and take action where necessary."
Addressing Road Safety Priorities
The initiative targets what police describe as statistically proven contributors to serious collisions. "It is statistically proven that not wearing a seatbelt and driving whilst distracted which includes using a mobile phone are among the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads," Chief Constable Shiner explained.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne highlighted the urgency of the situation: "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."
Community Responsibility and Future Evaluation
Commissioner Bourne stressed that road safety requires collective effort: "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."
The camera systems will remain operational for several weeks before undergoing comprehensive review and evaluation. This trial represents another delivered promise from Commissioner Bourne's manifesto, which established the Fatal Five Unit in Sussex to tackle main causes of serious injury and death on roads.
"I look forward to discussing the impact and results of the AI cameras with the Chief Constable in due course," Commissioner Bourne concluded, expressing optimism that the technology will help reduce devastating collisions that profoundly affect victims and their families.
