National Highways extends safety trial

26 February 2024

A trial of new mobile technology which can automatically detect motorists who are not wearing a seat belt or using mobile phones while driving is being extended by National Highways with police across the country taking part.

Ten police forces will be using the new kit which is mounted to a vehicle or trailer and has multiple cameras giving differing views of the driver and their passengers.

The trial first launched in 2021 when motorists spotted driving without seat belts or on the phone by police using the technology were sent warning letters informing them of the dangers of their behaviour.

Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seat belt.

In partnership with AECOM, the research is now being extended to work with more police forces to help learn more about how the technology could work on our roads and inform a possible future roll-out nationwide. The latest trial began on 19 February and will run until March 2025.