New AI cameras to detect traffic offences

New AI cameras are being used to help police target offenders and save lives in Sussex.

Sussex Police is the latest force to deploy the technology, designed specifically to detect drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

These are among the ‘fatal five’ offences, and during the last three years in Sussex, 82 people have been involved in a collision where someone was driving whilst using a mobile phone, and 214 people have been injured in a collision due to not wearing a seatbelt.

The use of the cameras follows a successful trial by National Highways in 2024, which saw 458 offences detected across seven days in Sussex.

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.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “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. 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.

“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. 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.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “One of my key manifesto pledges was to address road safety which is why I established the Fatal Five Unit in Sussex - to tackle the main causes of serious injury and death on our roads with a targeted determination.  The trial of AI camera systems is another promised delivered. 

“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. This technology will strengthen their ability to detect dangerous behaviours, intervene earlier and reach more locations across our county.

“But 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.

“I look forward to discussing the impact and results of the AI cameras with the Chief Constable in due course.”

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

Geoff Collins, UK General Manager for Acusensus said: “We know that these dangerous driving behaviours are happening across our road network and that is a real matter of concern to all sensible drivers.  Appropriate use of new technology now allows us to identify and evidence this in a way that would be impractical for conventional roads policing.  We have also seen impressive improvements to driving behaviours where the system is deployed, which I’m confident will be the case in Sussex.”

They will remain in place for several weeks, before being reviewed and evaluated.

The use of the AI cameras, which went live on Monday 13 April, dovetail with the national roads policing Operation Spotlight campaign running throughout April, which has a particular focus on seatbelt compliance.

Mark Baker, Sussex Police Road Safety Team Manager, said: “Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I welcome the use of this technology to help keep people safer. If you know anyone who uses their phone whilst driving, or does not routinely put their seatbelt on, please encourage them to change their behaviour and reduce the risk for everyone on the roads of Sussex.”

Find out more about the new AI cameras here.