More than 2,000 seatbelt and mobile phone offences were detected during just four weeks of AI road safety cameras being used in Sussex.
The technology was deployed on the A283 between Steyning and Shoreham, targeting two of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions.
The cameras were in place from 13 April to 10 May and used artificial intelligence to identify potential offences. Images were then reviewed by police officers before action was taken.
Drivers found committing offences were either offered educational courses or dealt with through normal enforcement processes.
In total, 2,294 offences were recorded. These included 459 mobile phone offences, 1,823 seatbelt offences and 12 offences of not being in proper control. There were also 17 cases where both mobile phone and seatbelt offences were detected.
A further 73 mobile phone and 190 seatbelt offences were identified by Roads Policing Unit officers on patrol throughout April, during 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.”
Officers also found motorists wearing seatbelts incorrectly, including behind the body or underneath the arm.
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.”
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