More than 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences were detected one one road during just four weeks of AI road safety cameras being used in Sussex.
The technology was deployed on the A283 between Steyning and Shoreham to target these offences, which are two of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions.
The Acusensus cameras, installed from 13 April to 10 May, used artificial intelligence to identify potential offences before images are reviewed by police officers. Drivers found committing offences were either offered educational courses or dealt with through normal enforcement processes.
A total of 2,294 offences were recorded by the cameras, consisting of 459 mobile phone offences, 1,823 seatbelt offences and 12 offences of not being in proper control.
There were a total of 17 instances of combined mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
A further 73 mobile phone and 190 seatbelt offences were detected by Roads Policing Unit officers on patrol throughout April, which coincided with the force’s Operation Spotlight road safety campaign.
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.”
During the campaign, officers identified a number of motorists incorrectly wearing seatbelts, including drivers with seatbelts tucked behind them or positioned underneath the arm, which significantly reduces their effectiveness if involved in a collision.
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, said:
“Sussex Police’s Fatal Five Unit will be deployed across the county in response to public concerns about driver behaviour so, if you see vehicles speeding or driving dangerously, please report them to Operation Crackdown.”
Acusensus’ UK genera manager Geoff Collins previously told Highways News that Sussex Police was leading by example.
“Police forces get great ideas put to them all the time, so when you have a solution it’s a matter of building the evidence, and being patient, until there is a tipping point and everyone starts to realise the benefits,” he explained, having previously led the uptake of average speed camera technology to the UK road network.
“I really believe that when other police chiefs see our technology operated successfully in [Sussex Police Chief Constable] Jo Shiner’s back yard, they will be ready to follow suit. Our experience demonstrates that our solution will deliver dramatic road safety benefits.
“Every driver knows using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. The challenge now is ensuring people understand that they are increasingly likely to be caught, and that changing their behaviour could prevent a devastating collision.”
(Pictures: Acusensus; Acusensus/Sussex Police)
