A week-long trial of new AI cameras on the A1(M) near Newton Aycliffe has exposed a shocking scale of phone use and seatbelt offences.
A staggering 951 drivers were caught breaking the law at the beginning of July, with 622 using their mobiles and 329 not wearing seatbelts.
One persistent offender was snapped four times while texting, while another was caught three times.
The high-tech cameras have two angles, meaning police can see right down into the drivers’ lap where many hide their device. Artificial intelligence scans images for phones and unbuckled seatbelts which are then sent to an officer for review.
Inspector Paul Ryans said: “The results are shocking. Most offenders were holding phones low down, completely distracted. This is a major risk to everyone on the road.
“The message is: switch off your phone and put it away so you are not distracted.”
All drivers caught will be prosecuted, with phone users facing a £200 fine and six points.
The trial follows the tragic death of eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his aunt, Karlene Warner. Drink driver Darryl Anderson had been using his phone to take a picture of his speedo when he ploughed into the back of their car.
Geoff Collins from the AI camera company, Acusensus, said: “We aim to break this dangerous cycle of behaviours and show drivers you can be detected and there are consequences.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, Joy Allen, added: “We have to stop people taking risks like this, which are potentially lethal.
“I know that road safety is one of the absolute top priorities for many residents, and I am doing everything I can to boost enforcement and crack down on those who continue to flout the law.”
The trial is part of a wider UK rollout of AI camera technology.
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