UK Drivers Warned as New Smart Cameras Monitor More Than Speed
UK motorists are being alerted to a new generation of road cameras that do far more than just measure speed. These advanced devices, currently being trialled across several police forces, can also spot if drivers are using mobile phones or neglecting to wear seatbelts.
A spokesperson from Bumper, a car repair finance expert, explained the technology’s scope: “Unlike traditional cameras that only monitor speed, these smart devices detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, aiming to crack down on distractions behind the wheel.”
The smart cameras use multiple lenses and artificial intelligence to analyse the driver and passengers inside the vehicle. This AI flags potential violations, but all incidents still require police verification before fines are handed out, ensuring fairness.
While this move aims to improve road safety, Bumper warns that the new system may add financial strain on drivers already burdened by rising motoring costs.
“The system uses a multi-camera setup to capture different views of the driver and passengers, with artificial intelligence analysing the footage to detect speed-related offences. However, any violations flagged by AI must still be reviewed and verified by police officers before fines are issued.”
The penalties for offences caught by these smart cameras are steep. Using a mobile phone behind the wheel carries a £200 fine and six penalty points.
If the case goes to court, fines can escalate to £1,000 for regular drivers and up to £2,500 for bus and lorry drivers, alongside possible driving bans. Failure to wear a seatbelt results in a £100 fine, which can rise to £500 if prosecuted.
Bumper shared early results from trials that demonstrate the cameras’ effectiveness: “Initial results suggest the technology is effective – within just a few weeks, the trial cameras caught 590 drivers without seatbelts and 40 using their phones.”
The scheme has been expanded in 2024 and is now active across 10 police forces, including Durham, Greater Manchester, and Sussex.
Bumper added, “With so many drivers caught not wearing their belts and on their phones, the results speak for themselves – the more drivers fined for these simple errors, the fewer accidents we’ll see, making our roads a safer place for everyone.”
This development marks a significant shift in UK road safety enforcement. Meanwhile, Bumper continues to support drivers with flexible, interest-free payment options to manage vehicle servicing expenses amidst rising costs.
