A total of 2,294 offences were recorded during a four-week trial of artificial intelligence (AI) road safety cameras on the A283 in Sussex, between Steyning and Shoreham.
The cameras were in operation from April 13 to May 10 and used AI technology to identify potential offences, with captured images later reviewed by police.
Jo Grantham, superintendent at 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.”
Thousands of drivers were found to not be wearing seatbelts properly (Image: Sussex Police)
Of the offences detected, 1,823 were for seatbelt violations, 459 for mobile phone use, and 12 for not being in proper control of the vehicle.
A total of 17 combined seatbelt and mobile phone offences were also recorded.
Offending drivers were either referred to educational courses or dealt with through standard enforcement processes.
Throughout April, officers from the Roads Policing Unit recorded an additional 73 mobile phone and 190 seatbelt offences, which coincided with the force’s Operation Spotlight road safety campaign.
The force also reported a number of drivers who were wearing seatbelts incorrectly, such as with the strap behind their back or under their arm—dramatically reducing effectiveness in a collision.
Supt Grantham said: “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.”
Despite the high number of offences, police noted a week-on-week reduction as drivers became aware of the camera and the dangers of their actions.
Hundreds of drivers were caught using their mobile phones at the wheel (Image: Sussex Police)
Supt Grantham said: “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.
“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.”
The AI cameras form part of Sussex Police’s wider strategy to tackle the ‘Fatal Five’ offences: speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless driving.
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