Drivers who think they can quickly check a message or glance at an email while driving are increasingly being caught, thanks to new AI-powered technology being trialled across the UK.
Trials of an AI ‘traffic cop’ system have identified thousands of motorists using their phones behind the wheel. The cameras, developed by Australian company Acusensus, scan inside vehicles as they drive past and capture clear images of potential offences.
One shocking image shows a man steering a 20-tonne lorry with one hand while using his phone in the other, with five more devices lined up on the dashboard. Another photo captures a driver typing with both hands while their passenger reaches over to steer. In one extreme case, a motorist was caught juggling both a laptop and a mobile phone at the same time.
The technology is currently being tested in 19 regions, including Devon, Cornwall, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Sussex. In Greater Manchester alone, more than 3,000 offences - including mobile phone use and seatbelt breaches - were recorded in just five weeks.
Adam Pipe, head of roads policing in Essex, described the system as “phenomenal”.
Significant drop in offences
Police in Devon and Cornwall report a dramatic impact on driver behaviour. Since 2023, daily mobile phone offences have fallen by 80%, while daily seatbelt offences have dropped by 83%.
Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “We used the cameras at the same location on the A38 at Landrake during 2023, 2024 and 2025. The year-on-year data shows a prolonged and significant reduction in both seatbelt and mobile phone offences, which is really encouraging.”
He added that fewer than 1% of vehicles monitored were found breaking the law – but stressed that the risks are serious. Around a third of fatal crashes in the UK involve someone not wearing a seatbelt, and using a phone while driving seriously affects judgement and reaction time.
The region has also seen a reduction in people killed or seriously injured on the roads, from 790 in 2022 to 678 in 2024.
AI makes the first judgement, humans make the final call
The system uses multiple cameras, an infrared flash and filtering technology to take detailed images of passing vehicles. AI software then scans for suspected offences, such as holding a phone or not wearing a seatbelt. These images are cropped and passed to human reviewers, who confirm whether a breach has occurred. Police then decide if the driver receives a fixed penalty notice or is referred to a driving course.
A driver awareness course in Devon and Cornwall can cost up to £100. Fines for using a phone while driving can reach £200 and six penalty points. Not wearing a seatbelt can cost up to £500.
Acusensus was founded by Alexander Jannink and Ravin Mirchandani after Jannink lost a close friend who was killed by a driver allegedly under the influence and using a mobile phone.
According to Acusensus UK manager Geoff Collins, interest in the technology is growing, and more police forces are expected to join the trial.
What the law says about using your phone while driving
It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or any device that can send or receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes when you are:
- Stopped at traffic lights
- Queuing in traffic
- Supervising a learner driver
- Driving a car with stop-start technology
- Using a device in flight mode
You must not hold a device to make calls, text, browse, record video or take photos.
Penalties include:
- £200 fine
- 6 penalty points
Possible licence revocation if you passed your test within the last two years
