Artificial intelligence (AI) powered road safety cameras deployed in West Sussex have detected over 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences over just four weeks.

A total of 2,294 offences were recorded; 459 mobile phone offences, 1,823 seatbelt offences and 12 offences of not being in proper control, with a total of 17 instances of combined mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

The cameras, which were installed on the A283 between Steyning and Shoreham from 13 April to 10 May, use AI to identify these offences, which Sussex Police state are ‘two of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions'.

Once identified by the cameras, officers review the images, with any driver found to be committing offences either offered educational courses or ‘dealt with through normal enforcement processes'.

Superintendent Jo Grantham, of 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.

‘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.'

Officers also identified a number of motorists incorrectly wearing seatbelts during the campaign, such as drivers with seatbelts tucked behind them or positioned underneath the arm, which can significantly reduce their effectiveness if a collision occurs.

Supt Grantham added: ‘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.

‘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.'

Sussex police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne OBE, commented: ‘With over 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences recorded by Sussex Roads Policing Unit - and by the AI road cameras installed from April and May - it is evident that some drivers are still disregarding the law, despite the evidence that the Fatal Five offences are the main causes of death and injury on our Sussex roads.

‘Such alarming statistics gathered from just one site over four weeks show that we can't simply rely on information campaigns to make our roads safer. We will need technology and officers on patrol to identify and target the most frequent and flagrant offenders.'