New AI cameras catch hundreds of drivers using phones in one week with calls for harsher punishments

More than 200 drivers have been caught using their mobile phones by new artificial intelligence cameras as police forces across the Midlands launch projects to crack down on dangerous motorists.

A report from Northamptonshire Police found 114 cases of drivers using mobiles while behind the wheel in April.

The groundbreaking AI cameras also identified 180 cases of drivers not wearing seatbelts during a one-week trial of using the technology.

The camera has been trialled along the A5 in Towcester, Northamptonshire, with drivers caught breaking the law captured then and there.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk

Matthew O'Connell, safer roads team manager at Northamptonshire Police, said: "The results we’ve had from just one week sadly show how prolific these offences are.

"Despite all of our educational road safety messaging, it is extremely disappointing that some people continue to put their lives at risk by refusing to stop using their mobile phones while driving or simply putting a seat belt on.”

While using a mobile phone behind the wheel is illegal, this has still failed to prevent drivers from risking an accident.

The current penalty for using a device while driving is up to six penalty points and a £200 fine.

If taken to court, motorists could face a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 if driving a lorry or bus or have their licence taken away in more severe cases.

Matt Staton, head of national road user safety at National Highways, said: "We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.

“We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.

“We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well.”

Pedestrians have been calling for harsher punishments for motorists who use mobile devices.

A recent study found that one in three Britons have backed new proposals to confiscate mobile phones from drivers if they use them in a car.

The confiscation follows research which suggested the current fine was too lenient and did not do enough to prevent drivers from using their phones behind the wheel.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, which conducted the research, explained that using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel is “illegal and dangerous” and many drivers want police forces to prioritise enforcement against these offenders.

Lyes continued, saying that the idea of confiscation of phones and paying an additional fine for their return has the backing of a “surprisingly sizeable number of drivers”.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Drivers urged to use common car buttons or risk increasing fuel consumption by 'around 10 per cent'
• Major diesel engine breakthrough could see drivers save thousands and boost efficiency
• BT unveils first-of-its-kind free electric car charger using ‘innovative’ technology

According to a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA, 34,738 drivers were issued with a penalty in 2022 for illegally using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel.