Exact number of drivers caught by Stoke-on-Trent’s AI speed cameras

More than nine million drivers in the UK have been caught speeding in the last three years - with offences on the rise. That is according to new data obtained by Confused.com[1] by Freedom of Information requests to UK Police Forces. According to the figures, more than 3.3 million Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIP) were issued to drivers in 2024 - the highest recorded in the past three years.

This is a 14% increase in comparison to 2022, where just over 2.9 million offences were reported. In recent years, the Department for Transport (DfT) has been increasing parameters and systems to improve road safety. From new speed cameras to 20 mph limits in residential areas, more is being done to bring these numbers down.

And one of the latest initiatives for this has been the piloting of Artificial Intelligence (AI) speed cameras with Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire being one of only a handful of counties to have the technology. The high-tech AI cameras mean drivers can be snapped for speeding over the limit and they can also detect drivers not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

The technology can achieve full images inside the car to determine the driver's appearance and other close-up details. It can also confirm the make and model of the car.

Of the 35 police constabularies who responded, five currently have AI cameras in place, with another two planning to roll them out soon. A total of 2,341 drivers have been caught by AI cameras with455 motorists being snared in Staffordshire, where there are four such cameras. However the true figure is far greater with a more up-to-date Freedom of Information request showing 2,301 drivers were captured breaking the limit since the cameras were installed in 2024 to February 2025.

The breakdown can be seen below. Speed camera locations and numbers caught in Staffordshire since the start of 2024

• A449 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford - 327
• A34 Newcastle Road, Trent Vale - 1,616
• A5008 Potteries Way, Hanley - 436
• A53 Leek New Road/Baddeley Green - 249

A third (33 per cent) of UK drivers believe the use of AI will make roads safer. But a similar amount (36 per cent) also hope that a person is checking over what the new AI camera records.

This is because they are worried it might catch drivers incorrectly. And another 17 per cent think the use of AI cameras is an invasion of their privacy in their car. However, it is positive to see that more than 1 in 10 (14 per cent) are less likely to use a mobile phone while driving now because of the AI speed cameras.

These people told us that they feel they could be caught by an AI speed camera more easily than by other cameras. A further 11 per cent say the same about not wearing a seatbelt. Even with the introduction of new technology to improve road safety, speeding is still an issue on UK roads.

In fact, r research found that nearly 2 in 5 (38 per cent) drivers have received a NIP for speeding, with a third (32 per cent) doing so twice. More than half (52 per cent) said that since being caught for speeding, they are more careful about meeting speed limits. However, with a third being caught twice, the cost of a ticket clearly is not always a big enough deterrent.

That is even as drivers commented that their car insurance increased by an average of GBP139 after receiving a speeding fine. When it comes to speeding, the Metropolitan police constabulary caught the most number of drivers in the last year, followed by West Yorkshire and Devon & Cornwall.

In terms of why people speed, almost a third (31 per cent) say they were unaware they were speeding in the first place, while 40 per cent say it is because they were running late or needed to get somewhere faster. In line with this, nearly half (46 per cent) would drive over the speed limit if it was an emergency.

But worryingly, 1 in 5 (20 per cent) would speed just to overtake another driver, and around 1 in 10 (11 per cent) admit they would speed if they thought there were not any cameras. Despite many taking the risk, it is positive to see that half (50 per cent) drive more carefully when they are around a school or residential area. And 26 per cent believe that reducing speed limits will help make roads safer.

Another 28 per cent think there should be more signposting for cameras on roads so drivers know when to reduce their speed. In a world where we are constantly trying to do things quicker, there is a clear risk to road safety. But it is clear there is an appetite for new ways to improve road safety.

That's as one in three (34 per cent) drivers say they are more likely to reduce their speed if they see a policeman while driving. And 17 per cent believe there should be more cameras on UK roads.

Speeding is an offence that typically carries a penalty of a fine, up to GBP100, and a minimum of three points on their licence. But in more extreme cases, the fines could be higher.

If a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by an excessive amount, their fine could in fact be calculated as a percentage of their annual income. How far over the limit they were driving could also affect the fine amount too. To help drivers understand how much they could be fined, Confused.com has created a speeding fine calculator.[2] Worryingly, only 1 in 4 (24 per cent) knew that these penalties existed.

While we can't avoid other essential motoring costs like MOT services and insurance, driving fines can be avoided by sticking to speed limits and road laws, so sticking to speed limits not only will keep roads safer but also save unexpected costs. Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert, said: " Our latest research found that over 9 million drivers have been caught speeding in the last 3 years. That's as the number of speeding fines in 2024 14% higher than those caught in 2022.

But speeding isn't the only issue, as distractions like mobile phones cause dangerous driving too. "That's why the piloting of AI speed cameras is a step in the right direction to improve road safety. The technology can spot drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt or using their phone behind the wheel.

The hope is that this will really help to crack down on drivers who risk the safety of themselves and other road users when behind the wheel. "If you're fined for speeding, the minimum cost is GBP100 and 3 points on your licence. But in some cases, the amount can depend on your annual income, which band your fine falls into and how much faster than the limit you were driving.

Using our speeding fine calculator[3] will help you to work out how much you might owe if you are caught."

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References

1. ^ Confused.com (www.confused.com)
2. ^ speeding fine calculator. (www.confused.com)
3. ^ speeding fine calculator (www.confused.com)
4. ^ Sign up for the latest breaking news and top stories from StokeonTrentLive on WhatsApp (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)