Road Safety AI Camera Project

Why are Sussex Police Road Safety Team using these AI cameras?

Road Safety AI Cameras, sometimes referred to as Heads-Up technology, utilise AI (Artificial Intelligence) enforcement systems designed to detect unsafe and illegal driving behaviours. These cameras have been deployed on UK roads by police forces and road safety partnerships, specifically to detect handheld mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts during the last few years.

Sussex Police Road Safety Team have deployed these AI cameras in Sussex as part of a project to help improve road safety and encourage drivers and passengers to make safe choices when using our roads. The findings and outcome of this project will feed into a knowledge base at a national level.

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.

Sussex Police have previously used the AI cameras as part of a trial with National Highways. It was deployed at two locations for a total of five days. The aim of the trial was to gather data and understand the benefits and opportunity that the AI cameras provide. During this trial period no offences were processed. Read more about the trial at the end of this page.

This 2026 project is intended to deepen our understanding of road user behaviours and identify specific uses of handheld mobile phones and the non-wearing of seatbelts. This project will feed into a knowledge base at a national level providing data and information about road safety.

Once the Road Safety project has been completed, Sussex Police Road Safety Team will publish the results and findings on this page.

How do the AI cameras work?

They are high-definition cameras with infrared flash, allowing them to capture clear images through windscreens, day or night, and in all weather conditions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms analyse the images in real time to identify potential offences, such as driver using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt. They use two camera angles to capture steep and shallow views, mounted on trailers and positioned to look down on vehicles. They can detect multiple offences simultaneously and are able to take high speed front-facing images of vehicles.

How will the offences be captured and processed?

The AI camera identifies images of potential offences which are then sent for review by human verification. The first stages of the human verification are where images are reviewed by at least two human assessors without any personal data or details. If a potential offence is considered, it is then uploaded to Sussex Police via existing secure software used for processing other road safety camera offences.

A dedicated team of Sussex Police Officers will view each of the potential offences, scrutinise the images captured, before deciding whether to proceed with the offence based on the evidence.

What happens to my images or data? What about privacy?

The vast majority of images are immediately deleted in real time and never seen by a human as they do not show a potential offence. Images which are sent for initial reviews are automatically cropped and anonymised, with vehicle number plates and other non-relevant data not being visible. The system does not use facial recognition software.

All images uploaded to the Sussex Police processing software are dealt with in line with our force Privacy Policy.

What happens if I am caught?

Depending on the eligibility of a driver, the severity and road traffic offence, a course may be offered for the non-wearing of seatbelts as an alternative to a fine or prosecution. Using a handheld phone could result in a £200 fine and 6 penalty points, which could lead to losing a licence.

Are the cameras legal in the UK?

Yes, these camera systems are suitable for enforcement.

Do I get a warning before passing them?

Although this is not a requirement for enforcement, there are camera signs displayed on the route before the cameras.

Do they work at high speeds?

The cameras are designed to capture clear evidence of vehicles, even at high speeds.

Are the cameras only for seatbelts and mobile phones?

Yes, the technology used for the Sussex Police AI Camera Project is only for seatbelts and mobile phones. There is the potential that other offences may also be shown when the camera identifies either of these two specific offences. Trained officers and staff will assess whether these require further action.