Caught by AI spycams: Thousands of drivers are spotted using phones or not wearing seatbelts in new trial backed by Hollyoaks star’s widower

By ROBERT FOLKER[1]

Published: 17:41, 20 November 2024 | Updated: 17:43, 20 November 2024

Thousands of drivers have been caught using their phone at the wheel and not wearing seat belts during a trial of AI speed cameras that can 'spy inside' cars.

More than 3,200 people were captured on their mobiles while driving or not wearing seat belts over a five-week period in Greater Manchester.

The trial has been by Calvin Buckley, the widower of Hollyoaks[2] star Frankie Jules-Hough who was killed along with their unborn daughter after a driver ploughed into her car while filming a video on his phone at speeds of 123mph.

Ms Jules-Hough's two sons and nephew were also inside the car during impact and suffered injuries.

Adil Iqbal, 22, pleaded guilty to causing the death of the former actress, 38, who suffered fatal injuries when he struck her in his BMW on the M66 in Bury.

Images captured in the trial, that started on September 3, by the 'Heads Up' camera system show drivers holding mobile phones in front of their face, to their ear while behind the wheel.

Mr Buckley previously said: 'Two people lost their lives as a result of someone using their phone while driving, and to put it simply my life was destroyed.

'It's become quite common for people to use their phone to check messages, send photos or change the music while driving.

Calvin Buckley with partner Frankie Jules-Hough who was killed along with their unborn daughter after a driver ploughed into her car while filming a video on his phone

Ms Jules-Hough, 38, died following a crash on the M66, when the speeding car hit her parked Skoda Fabia on the hard shoulder

AI cameras have caught more than 3,200 people, driving while using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt in Greater Manchester

'But all it takes is a split second to become distracted, and when you take your eyes off the road anything could happen.

'You could hit another car, a pedestrian, injure or kill yourself.'

Greater Manchester was among the first in the UK to roll out the new technology, which will allow police to crack down on distracted or speeding motorists with a single camera.

Kate Green, Greater Manchester's deputy mayor, said: 'The images speak for themselves.

'They show drivers who are needlessly putting themselves and others - including young children - at risk.

'Sadly we know that being distracted for just a second, or not wearing a seat belt properly, can have devastating consequences.'

Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving faces a GBP200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on their licence.

Motorists can be fined up to GBP500 if they do not wear a seat belt when supposed to.

Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving faces a GBP200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on their licence

Motorists can be fined up to GBP500 if they do not wear a seat belt when supposed to

No one has yet been prosecuted from the trial.

Earlier this year, Mr Buckley also highlighted the consequences of mobile phone distractions behind the wheel by endorsing a campaign called 'Touch. Screen'.

The 'Touch. Screen' campaign, from Safer Roads Greater Manchester, is underpinned by the 'vision zero strategy' which aims to eliminate all deaths and life-changing injuries on Greater Manchester's roads by 2040.

In the videos released as part of the 'Touch.

Screen' campaign, three drivers can be seen using their mobile phone behind the wheel and becoming increasingly distracted as they take calls, respond to texts, change songs or check directions.

As they continue to take their eyes off the road and focusing on touching their phone, they are too slow to react to what happens next and the scene abruptly ends with a loud crash.

On the campaign's radio advert, Mr Buckley voice can then be heard warning drivers about consequences of becoming distracted while driving.

Mr Buckley said: 'It's become quite common for people to use their phone to check messages, send photos or change the music while driving. The use of mobile phones in our society has grown, and for some people it's all they've ever known.

'But all it takes is a split second to become distracted, and when you take your eyes off the road anything could happen. You could hit another car, a pedestrian, or injure yourself.

'Please don't touch your phone while driving.

You could get fined, get points on your licence or, more seriously, take somebody's life.'

References

1. ^ ROBERT FOLKER (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Hollyoaks (www.dailymail.co.uk)