New smart speed cameras being rolled out on UK roads
Advanced cameras more likely to catch rule-breakers on the roads
05:00, 31 Aug 2025
Speed camera technology is becoming more advanced.(Image: alexandragl1/ iStockphoto)Drivers are being warned about new "smart" cameras on roads which can see inside cars.
The cameras are starting to be used in parts of the UK and are designed to detect more than just speed.
They can also catch motorists committing other offences like using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts, two common causes of crashes.
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Some police forces have begun trialling these cameras, and they are likely to become permanent fixtures on motorways and busy roads around the country over the coming years.
Some cameras are also 'bi-directional', meaning they can see both ways.
This may catch out some drivers not used to more advanced cameras working in this way, and everything motorists think they know about speed cameras will no longer be true.
Motoring experts at Bumper said: "Unlike traditional cameras that only monitor speed, these smart devices detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, aiming to crack down on distractions behind the wheel.
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"The system uses a multi-camera setup to capture different views of the driver and passengers, with artificial intelligence analysing the footage to detect speed-related offences.
"However, any violations flagged by AI must still be reviewed and verified by police officers before fines are issued."
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The spokesperson continued: "Initial results suggest the technology is effective - within just a few weeks, the trial cameras caught 590 drivers without seatbelts and 40 using their phones.
"The programme has now expanded in 2024 to include 10 police forces across the country, covering areas such as Durham, Greater Manchester, and Sussex.
Article continues below"With so many drivers caught not wearing their belts and on their phones, the results speak for themselves - the more drivers fined for these simple errors, the fewer accidents we'll see, making our roads a safer place for everyone."
References
- ^ HMRC 'punishing' state pensioners with small private pensions (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Do you support a ban on pavement parking? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ our WhatsApp community (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
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- ^ Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here (www.birminghammail.co.uk)