Are AI Speed Cameras the Future of Driving Enforcement?

Smarter cameras are enforcing the rules of the road. What does this mean for your safety and insurance premiums?

A new generation of AI-powered cameras is being trialled on UK roads, designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviours, and recent data proves that they’re needed. According to research from Confused.com, than nine million drivers have been caught speeding in the last three years, while mobile phone and seatbelt offences remain widespread.

These cameras aren’t just about speed. By combining artificial intelligence with high-definition lenses, they can detect drivers using handheld devices, spot whether seatbelts are in use, and even recognise vehicle makes and models.

What can AI speed cameras detect?

The technology is capable of identifying:

• Speeding offences
• Use of handheld mobile phones
• Drivers or passengers without seatbelts

In one pilot scheme in Devon, the cameras flagged nearly 1,800 possible offences in a month. Almost 1,400 of these offences were seatbelt non-compliance and over 400 related to mobile phone use whilst driving.

Why are they being tested now?

Despite decades of progress, UK roads still see far too many casualties. Government figures state that between July 2023 and June 2024, 1,607 fatalities were recorded, with the ‘fatal four’ being the main contributors of these accidents (speeding, mobile phone use, lack of seatbelts and driving under the influence). These AI cameras address three of those risk factors.

In addition, the government issued 3.3 million speeding fines in 2024, 14% more than in 2022, showing enforcement is tightening.

Where are AI cameras in use?

AI cameras are already live in regions including Durham, Humberside, North Wales, and Staffordshire, with trials also underway in Avon and Somerset. Wider rollouts are expected as results of trials come in.

Public opinion

Not everyone is comfortable. One in five drivers think the cameras invade their privacy but the majority support them, with a third admitting they encourage safer behaviour and 15% saying that they will now think twice about using their phone or skipping a seatbelt. Still, more than a third want human oversight of AI decisions.

Insurance implications

Fines and penalty points aren’t just a nuisance, they can have a long-lasting impact on premiums. With points staying on your licence for up to four years, insurers factor them in when calculating your risk profile.

At Performance Direct, we always stress that safe driving pays. Not only does it keep you and others safe, but it also helps keep your insurance costs under control.

The takeaway

AI enforcement is evolving fast, making it harder than ever to take chances behind the wheel. The smart approach is the simplest one: follow the rules of the road and protect yourself, both physically and financially.