AI Cameras Are Catching Thousands of Drivers on Their Phones — Here's What You Need to Know

Over 10,000 Offences in One Year

AI-powered cameras trialled across Devon and Cornwall have recorded more than 10,000 driving offences in the past year — and the data suggests they're actually changing driver behaviour.

The Acusensus 'Heads-Up' cameras use a dual-camera system — one front-facing and one overhead — to capture high-speed images of passing vehicles. Artificial intelligence then analyses the footage to identify drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts.

The results from three monitored locations in August 2024 show a 50% reduction in seatbelt violations and a 33% drop in mobile phone offences compared to the previous year.

How Do the Cameras Work?

The cameras are positioned at roadside locations and capture images of every vehicle that passes. The AI system automatically flags potential violations, but — importantly — every flagged image is reviewed by at least two human assessors before any action is taken.

Depending on the assessment, drivers receive either a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution. It's not a fully automated system — the AI identifies potential offences, and humans make the final call.

Why Should Drivers Care?

The numbers behind mobile phone and seatbelt offences are stark:

• Around a third of all fatal collisions nationally involve someone who wasn't wearing a seatbelt
• Not wearing a seatbelt makes you twice as likely to die in a serious collision
• Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases your chance of being involved in a collision
• The penalty for using a phone while driving is £200 and 6 points on your licence

Adrian Leisk, Devon & Cornwall Police's Head of Road Safety, noted that "less than 1% of vehicles monitored were detected committing offences" — meaning the vast majority of drivers are following the rules. But the cameras are clearly effective at catching those who aren't.

Are These Cameras Coming to My Area?

The Devon and Cornwall trial has been running for three years and the results are being closely watched. If the data continues to show reductions in offences and improvements in road safety, it's likely the technology will be rolled out more widely.

Several police forces across the UK have already expressed interest in similar systems, and the technology is being used in other countries including Australia.

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams commented: "While some drivers may criticise these cameras for unwanted snooping, the reality is that the police increasingly rely on technology to catch drivers breaking the law — it's impossible to have a police officer stationed on every street corner."

What the Cameras Can and Can't Do

What they detect:

• Mobile phone use while driving
• Seatbelt violations
• Both driver and passenger behaviour

What they don't do:

• Speed detection (these are separate from speed cameras)
• Automatic fines without human review
• Continuous surveillance — they're positioned at specific locations

The Connection to Fuel Costs

This might seem unrelated to fuel prices, but distracted driving and poor driving habits have a direct impact on fuel economy. Drivers who are focused on their phones tend to brake and accelerate more erratically, which increases fuel consumption.

Smooth, attentive driving isn't just safer — it's cheaper. Studies show that calm, steady driving can improve fuel economy by 10–15% compared to aggressive or distracted driving. On current fuel prices, that could save you £150 or more per year.

The Bottom Line

AI cameras are here, they're catching thousands of offenders, and they appear to be making roads safer. Whether you see them as a positive step for road safety or an unwelcome intrusion, the practical advice is the same: put your phone down, wear your seatbelt, and drive attentively.

Your safety — and your fuel bill — will both benefit.

*Source: RAC Drive*