UK police roll out enforcement cameras to tackle mobile phone driving

The more you cycle, the more you notice how many motorists are using mobile phones illegally; The threat of six points and a fine appears to be no deterrent.

In response, 10 UK police forces are trialling new mobile cameras that automatically detect drivers using mobile phones at the wheel.

The police forces taking part in the trial are: Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk; Thames Valley Police and Sussex.

The cameras, which are transported by van or trailer, can film thousands of vehicles an hour. Following capture, the images are first processed automatically using artificial intelligence (AI) before police decide on further action. Drivers caught using a mobile phone can expect a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.

Drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone, and as a result, motor insurance premiums increase for everyone. In fact, it's already having a marked effect on the US car insurance industry, says the Insurance Information Institute.

Mobile phone use costs every driver money

Distracted Driving: State of the Risk examines how distracted driving creates road danger and drives up motor insurance premiums. According to the research, for every dollar the industry collected in 2022, insurers paid out $1.12 in claims.

Here in the UK, average car insurance premiums are near to £1,000 after price rises of over 50 per cent last year - a record breaking increase that could herald more telematics-based cover.

Many young motorists already use app-based insurance. If you accelerate too quickly, or brake too harshly, points are deducted from a running total. Lose too many points and your monthly premium can double.

However, perhaps the most powerful benefit is you're not permitted to touch your phone screen while driving - cradle or no cradle.

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Mobile phone law for drivers

Use of a device capable of interactive communication includes:

• illuminating the screen
• checking the time or notifications
• unlocking the device
• making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
• sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
• sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
• utilising camera, video, or sound recording
• drafting any text
• accessing any stored data, app or the internet

{{cta-cycling}}

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