AI road cameras prompt urgent driver warning as 'enforcement is likely to become tougher'

Drivers have been warned of tougher road rules after reports recorded a rapid rise in mobile phone use behind the wheel, which is getting worse.

New research shows that roughly 54 per cent of motorists said they have noticed an increase in drivers using mobile phones while driving.

The findings have now prompted more than four in five drivers to support the use of AI-powered cameras to catch offenders on UK roads.

The cameras are currently being tested in Scotland as part of a six-month pilot, and are designed to monitor how many drivers are illegally using phones while driving.

Last month, Sussex Police revealed it will begin using AI cameras to target mobile phone use in vehicles, as well as seatbelt usage across East and West Sussex.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: "While we endeavour to respond to these concerns and proactively patrol wherever possible, the reality is we cannot be everywhere all of the time. These AI cameras are not designed to replace modern-day policing, but to enhance it."

Drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel face tough penalties, with offenders receiving six penalty points and a £200 fine.

However, despite tighter enforcement, the report recorded 65 per cent of drivers who claimed they never touch their phone on the road, while one in 10 admitted to only checking navigation apps during journeys.

Smaller numbers admitted to other risky habits, including scrolling through phones at traffic lights out of boredom, checking notifications, changing music tracks, and even typing text messages.

The punishment can be even more severe for new drivers, who can automatically lose their licence if they collect six points within two years of passing their test.

Experts also warned that convictions for using a mobile while driving can risk pushing up the cost of car insurance for years afterwards.

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Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, warned motorists that enforcement is likely to become tougher as the technology improves.

He said: "With AI cameras being tested to detect offenders, motorists should expect enforcement to become much stricter in the coming years.

"It's encouraging to see that most people would challenge a driver using their phone, but prevention is key - staying focused behind the wheel protects lives, licences and long-term motoring costs."

Almost three-quarters of respondents (73 per cent) said they would challenge a driver who picked up their phone while driving.

Road safety experts are now urging motorists to take simple steps before starting journeys to avoid temptation behind the wheel.

Advice includes placing phones in the glovebox, turning on "do not disturb" mode and setting up sat-nav routes before driving off.

The Scottish trial is expected to help authorities decide whether AI cameras should become a permanent part of road enforcement across the UK.