AI mobile camera van catches 239 law-breaking motorists

Ian Robertson, from Safer Roads Humber, pictured with the van in Scunthorpe

A new road safety van kitted out with artificial intelligence (AI) technology has caught 239 people using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, officials have said.

Safer Roads Humber said it detected 49 drivers on their phones and 190 people not wearing seatbelts.

The offences were recorded during the first four days of a week-long trial at sites across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Those caught on phones face £200 fines.

The camera in action in Scunthorpe on Friday

Equipped with several cameras, footage is processed using artificial intelligence before being checked by an officer.

Ian Robertson, partnership manager at Safer Roads Humber, said: "You have a job of driving that car, lorry, van or motorcycle. Your job is solely that. Distractions take you away from that job and you are highly likely to be involved in a collision."

The AI technology caught 56 people in South Cave, 73 in Hull, 55 in Willerby and 55 in Grimsby

The van was in Scunthorpe on Friday, with figures there still being collated.

Anyone detected using a phone while driving risks a £200 fine plus six points on their driving licence.

The penalty for not wearing a seat belt within a vehicle is a £100 fine, with the driver being responsible for any passengers under the age of 14.

Safer Roads Humber - a partnership involving police and councils - said some people may be offered an education course as an alternative to prosecution.