VIDEO: AI cameras detect more than 2,000 offences

Above: A mobile phone offence captured by the AI cameras in Sussex

More than 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences were detected during just four weeks of AI road safety cameras being used in Sussex.

The technology was deployed on the A283 between Steyning and Shoreham to target these offences, which are two of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions.

The cameras, installed from 13 April to 10 May, used artificial intelligence to identify potential offences before images are reviewed by police officers. Drivers found committing offences were either offered educational courses or dealt with through normal enforcement processes.

A total of 2,294 offences were recorded by the cameras, consisting of 459 mobile phone offences, 1,823 seatbelt offences and 12 offences of not being in proper control.

Above: A seatbelt offence captured by the AI cameras in Sussex

There were a total of 17 instances of combined mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

A further 73 mobile phone and 190 seatbelt offences were detected by Roads Policing Unit officers on patrol throughout April, which coincided with the force’s Operation Spotlight road safety campaign.

Superintendent Jo Grantham, of Sussex Police, said: “The statistics we have seen during this trial have been hugely disappointing and honestly, alarming. Over the space of just one month, more than 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences were detected at a single location. These are completely avoidable risks that continue to put lives in danger every day on our roads.

“What has been encouraging, however, is that we saw offences decreasing week on week as motorists became more aware of the camera and the dangers associated with these behaviours. It demonstrates the power of both education and enforcement in changing driver behaviour, and ultimately helping to keep people safe.”

During the campaign, officers identified a number of motorists incorrectly wearing seatbelts, including drivers with seatbelts tucked behind them or positioned underneath the arm, which significantly reduces their effectiveness if involved in a collision.

Supt Grantham added: “Many people may not realise that wearing a seatbelt incorrectly is still an offence and, more importantly, could have devastating consequences in the event of a crash. One death on our roads is one too many, and anything we can do together to prevent that is vital.

“This technology is designed to support our officers, not replace them, and the impact of changing behaviours on our roads cannot truly be measured. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we would urge all road users to think carefully about the choices they make behind the wheel.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne OBE, said: “It is clear from feedback to my recent roads policing survey that, whilst many people want to see tougher enforcement and smarter technology to make our roads safer, far too many drivers are still endangering themselves and others every day by speeding and careless driving; not wearing a seatbelt; drink and drug driving and using a mobile ‘phone.

“With over 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences recorded by Sussex Roads Policing Unit - and by the AI road cameras installed from April and May - it is evident that some drivers are still disregarding the law, despite the evidence that the Fatal Five offences are the main causes of death and injury on our Sussex roads. 

“Such alarming statistics gathered from just one site over four weeks show that we can’t simply rely on information campaigns to make our roads safer. We will need technology and officers on patrol to identify and target the most frequent and flagrant offenders.

“Sussex Police’s Fatal Five Unit will be deployed across the county in response to public concerns about driver behaviour so, if you see vehicles speeding or driving dangerously, please report them to Operation Crackdown.”

The use of this modern technology forms part of Sussex Police’s ongoing commitment to tackling the Fatal Five offences – speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless driving – which are the leading causes of people being killed or seriously injured on the roads.

Find out more about the use of AI cameras in Sussex here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/au/about-us/road-safety/road-safety-ai-camera-project/