Drivers warned new 'smart' cameras can see inside cars and catch rule breakers

New UK speed cameras can see 'inside' cars(Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)

The new cameras are being trialled by some police forces and are likely to become a permanent fixture on UK roads in the coming years

Motorists are being alerted about new "smart" cameras on roads that can peer inside vehicles. These cameras, which are beginning to be utilised in parts of the UK, are designed to detect more than just speed.

They can also spot drivers committing other offences such as using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts, two frequent causes of accidents. Several police forces have started testing these cameras, and they are expected to become permanent features on motorways and busy roads across the country in the coming years, reports Birmingham Live.

Some cameras are also 'bi-directional', meaning they can monitor both directions. This might surprise some drivers who are not accustomed to more advanced cameras operating in this manner, and everything motorists think they know about speed cameras will no longer hold true. It comes as UK drivers are being urged to 'keep car keys in microwave' as an 'epidemic' sweeps the UK.

Motoring experts at Bumper stated: "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.

"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."

The spokesperson further added: "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.