New AI cameras that monitor drivers have recorded more than 600 seatbelt offences in their first week.
The cameras are designed to detect drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
In 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 said.
In the first seven days of operation in Sussex, the cameras have recorded 620 seatbelt offences, 110 mobile phone offences, 17 combined mobile phone and seatbelt offences and one offence of not being in proper control of a vehicle (no hands on the steering wheel).
The high-definition cameras use an infrared flash to capture clear images through windscreens, day or night, and in all weather conditions.
Images from AI cameras (Image: National Highways)
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. These are then reviewed by officers for processing, Sussex Police said.
Mark Baker, Sussex Police road safety team manager, said a number of people have been caught on the cameras wearing a seatbelt under their arm
“This is not proper usage, as it could still result in serious injuries in the event you are involved in a collision,” he added.
“The data we have captured so far is just a tiny sample of driver behaviour across Sussex.
“This suggests there is likely to be a number of habitual no seatbelt wearers who may never have been involved in a serious collision and may not think the law applies to them. But why take the risk?
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“Our aim is not only to target offenders but also to change driver behaviour in the first place. In an ideal world, we don’t want to record any offences; we want everyone to play their part in keeping all road users safe.”
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “We have embraced the use of modern technology not only to show that we listen to concerns raised by communities across Sussex, but also to help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads through irresponsible driver behaviour.
“We know from a previous trial in 2024 that seatbelt and mobile phone offences are rife on our roads, and I’m hugely disappointed by these latest statistics. While the vast majority of people are safe and competent road users, there is still a large number of motorists who continue to take risks, and that is not acceptable.”
Drivers who do not wear a seatbelt may be offered a course as an alternative to a fine or prosecution.
Using a handheld phone could result in a £200 fine and six penalty points.