Drivers could be slapped with harsher fines for breaking Highway Code rules as AI speed cameras launch
Drivers can be fined £1,000 if caught in the car without a seatbelt
PA
Britons could face heftier fines and points on a licence for not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle and breaking other crucial driving laws as new AI cameras roll out across the UK.
The harsher penalties come as Devon and Cornwall Police use artificial intelligence cameras to spot Highway Code rule breakers in the area.
Shockingly, the cameras recorded 109 cases of children not wearing a seatbelt in a car out of the total 2,000 caught between July and August.
Under Rule 99 of the Highway Code, drivers must wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles. Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, must also use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches.
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The police found 800 people using their mobile phones at the wheel during the operation
With more offences being recorded, experts are now calling for stricter fines for breaking the rules. Penalties include a £500 charge and three points on their licence.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "I'm struggling to understand why people think it's OK not to wear a seat belt, particularly young people in their vehicles.
"In the event of a forward collision or if the vehicle were to brake sharply, the weight of the parent would crush the child against the front of the car."
The cases were recorded by the new AI cameras which have been trialled to catch drivers who use mobile phones at the wheel, passengers who use the steering wheel and those not wearing seat belts.
The cameras use artificial intelligence technology to see inside vehicles on the road and canmonitor and analyse driver activity to determine if an infringement has occurred.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis stated: “AI-equipped cameras that can automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a chance for the tide to be turned.
“The police can’t be everywhere all of the time, so it makes sense that forces look to the best available technology that can help them catch drivers acting illegally.”
Separate data by the police department showed that between July 25 and August 17, more than 2,200 seat belt offences were detected by AI cameras situated on the A388 between Saltash and Launceston.
Over800 mobile phone offences were caught during the same time period. Experts from Swansway Motor Group said: “These cameras capture everything, and if you’re caught, you’re looking at hefty penalties.
"The AI technology isn't just a passive observer; it’s actively working to identify offenders. In places like Devon, these cameras caught over 240 offences in just 72 hours.
“This shows how effective they can be at spotting rule-breakers and creating a culture of accountability on the roads."
The expert added that due to high fines of £1,000 and six points on alicence for using a mobile phone, there was "no room for complacency".
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Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said that cameras which can do “everything and anything” are only going to be a good thing for motorists with less chance of getting away with reckless driving.