Speeding fines surge by 14% as AI cameras catch thousands of drivers

Over 9 million drivers* have been caught speeding in the last 3 years. But that's not all, more drivers are being distracted by their mobile phones. Some even risk driving without a seatbelt.

To clamp down on these dangerous drivers, some areas in the UK are trialling AI speed cameras. These cameras can see into your vehicle and take photos of the drivers inside.

But some people believe that these cameras are an invasion of privacy. In this guide, we'll look at what the AI speed cameras can actually do and the penalties for dangerous driving.

What are AI speeding cameras?

AI speed cameras used artificial intelligence to snap people who break the speed limit. They can also detect drivers who aren't wearing a seatbelt and those using a mobile phone while driving.

The cameras can get a full image inside the car to get the driver's appearance and close-up details. The tech can also confirm the make and model of the car.

The system has been successful so far. It piloted on UK roads in 2021, and 2342 drivers were caught.

In Devon alone, the cameras caught 1799 potential offences. This included 1362 instances where someone wasn't wearing a seatbelt. The cameras also caught 436 people using their mobile phones. This is all within a 4-week period.

Why are AI speed cameras being used?

Safety is still an issue on UK roads, in 2024, 3.3 million speeding fines were given to UK drivers. That's the highest recorded in the past 3 years and a 14% increase compared to 2022, where 2.9 million offences were reported.

The reported road casualties paint a bleak picture too. On UK roads in 2023, there were:

• 1,607 fatalities
• 29,540 killed or seriously injured casualties
• 128,920 casualties of all severities

The government says these 4 factors contribute to fatal collisions:

• Speed
• Alcohol and drugs
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Mobile phone use

AI speed cameras could help to stop 3 of the fatal 4 factors and hopefully bring the number of casualties down. As well as speeding, the cameras can catch drivers who aren't wearing seatbelts and drivers that are distracted by their mobile phone.

What our motor insurance expert says

“Our latest research found that over 9 million drivers have been caught speeding in the last 3 years. That’s as the number of speeding fines in 2024 is 14% higher than those caught in 2022. But speeding isn’t the only issue, as distractions like mobile phones cause dangerous driving too.

“That’s why the piloting of AI speed cameras is a step in the right direction to improve road safety. The technology can spot drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt or using their phone behind the wheel. The hope is that this will really help to crack down on drivers who risk the safety of themselves and other road users when behind the wheel.

“If you’re fined for speeding, the minimum cost is £100 and 3 points on your licence. But in some cases, the amount can depend on your annual income, which band your fine falls into and how much faster than the limit you were driving. Using our speeding fine calculator will help you to work out how much you might owe if you are caught.”

Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert

Where are AI speed cameras being rolled out?

We submitted a data request to see which constabularies have AI speed cameras. The following constabularies got back to us:

Are AI speed cameras an invasion of privacy?

Some people think they are -1 in 5 (17%)** think that the cameras are an invasion of their privacy.

Others are concerned about the accuracy of the cameras. In fact, 36% of people told us that they hoped a person was checking over the new AI camera records. This group told us they were worried it might catch people incorrectly.

But overall, the attitude towards AI speed cameras is positive. A third (33%) of UK drivers believe the use of AI will make roads safer. More than 1 in 10 (14%) are less likely to use a mobile phone while driving now because of the AI speed cameras. 11% say the same about not wearing a seatbelt.

Which area in the UK has the biggest speeding problem?

Speeding is still an issue on UK roads. Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) drivers received a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) for speeding. A third (32%) have had 2 NIPs. Here are some of the constabularies in the UK and how many drivers they caught speeding in 2024:

What are the penalties for speeding?

First, you can get a fine of £100 and a minimum of 3 points on your licence. In some cases, you could avoid a fine by going on a speed awareness course. These cost around £95.

But you could be fined more depending on how much you break the speed limit by. In these cases, your fine could be calculated as a percentage of your annual income. Only 1 in 4 drivers (24%) knew that these penalties existed.

If you've recently broken the speed limit, you can find out how much your fine could be using our speeding fines calculator.

Calculate your speeding fine

The maximum fine for speeding is £2,500 - but in some cases, the amount you pay is based on your annual income. Yes, you guessed it, some fines are calculated as a percentage of your weekly earnings. The exact penalty depends on the speed limit and how fast you were going over it. Use our speeding fines calculator to work out your speeding fine.

Calculate your speeding fine

There's also the impact on car insurance. Some drivers we asked commented that their insurance increased by £139 after getting a speeding fine.

What are the penalties for using a mobile phone while driving?

If you're caught using a mobile phone while driving, you could get a fine of £200 and 6 points on your licence. You could get a fine of £1,000 or be disqualified from driving if you're taken to court. You'll automatically lose your licence. If you've passed your test within the last 2 years.

What are the penalties for driving without a seatbelt?

You could be fined up to £500 if you don't wear your seatbelt. You must always wear a seatbelt if there's one fitted.

Children should be in the right car seat for their height and weight until they reach 135 cm or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.

If they're 12 or 135 cm, they should be wearing a seat belt.

Methodology

*In January 2025, Confused.com issued a Freedom of Information request, requesting the following information from UK police constabularies:

1. How many Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for speeding were issued to drivers in the years 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25? Please break down the data for each year by calendar year and month.

2. As of the 1st January 2025, how many AI-enabled cameras, which can provide evidence to assist in the prosecution of road traffic offences, are currently sited on roads within your area of responsibility?

3. From these AI-enabled cameras, how many Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) have been distributed? Please break down the data by calendar month from the start of their operation and broken down by the type of offence that was registered? E.g, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, etc.

4. Please indicate whether you will be launching AI-enabled cameras on your roads, and when this is expected to be, and how many AI-cameras you expect to install.

**Unless otherwise stated, all research was carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK drivers. This was conducted between 14th and 19th February 2025.