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New AI cameras coming to roads which can see drivers using their phonesWarning comes after nine in 10 drivers admitted to touching their phones while drivingCommentsNewsRichard Guttridge
Agenda Editor05:30, 01 Jun 2025New digital cameras are being rolled out in parts of the country.(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel) Drivers are being warned that it will soon become much
harder to get away with using their phones behind the wheel.
New data shows that use of phones is widespread and among the most ignored driving laws.
Police are aiming to tackle this growing problem by making use of advancing technology allowing artificial intelligence cameras to detect drivers using their phones.
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Safety chiefs hope it will have an impact by making motorists think twice, in the same way speed cameras do.
Article continues below AI cameras have started to be trialled across the country, and are expected to become permanent roadside additions in the coming years.
Cameras have been installed on a number of main roads in Staffordshire which can also detect phone use, in a sign police are moving towards new tactics to try to tackle the issue.
It is one of the major concerns of police chiefs and regional and national politicians when it comes to road safety.
Calls may also grow to hike penalties from the current £200 and six penalty points in a bid to increase the deterrent.
Latest calls for extra cameras come after it was revealed nine in 10 motorists admitted they are unable to complete a journey without touching their phone.
Touching your phone in almost any way while behind the wheel is now illegal following the recent tightening of laws.
Article continues below RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “We saw a reduction in motorists admitting to illegal handheld phone use after the penalties were toughened in 2017
following pressure from the RAC, but numbers are on the rise again now.
“In fact, our research shows the proportion of young drivers making and receiving calls illegally hit its highest rate in eight years in 2024.
“Enforcement of the law is critical, so we encourage police forces to roll out more roadside cameras to catch people in the act and get them to change their ways.”