A camera van using artificial intelligence is being deployed to detect drivers using their mobile phone and vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts in St Helens.

The van is fitted with a camera to allow for mobile enforcement, meaning the technology can be deployed across Merseyside to target the two offences.

Sergeant Berry from Merseyside Police has welcomed the the latest technology to support road safety enforcement.

He said: "Last year 19 people died on our roads and 440 were seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Merseyside.

"Road safety teams across the country put emphasis on the fatal four in an attempt to drive down collisions and achieve Vision Zero.

St Helens Star: The AI camera will be used to detect drivers using their mobile phone and vehicle occupants not wearing seatbeltsThe AI camera will be used to detect drivers using their mobile phone and vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts (Image: Merseyside Police)"We want people to understand we’re using this technology and will continue to use it to make our roads safer, the new process isn’t about giving tickets, it's about improving road safety and encouraging people to stop using their phones and start wearing seatbelts.

“Hopefully now everyone knows we’re using this technology, it will prevent them from using their phone and encourage them to wear seatbelts”.

St Helens Star: The AI camera will be used to detect drivers using their mobile phone and vehicle occupants not wearing seatbeltsThe AI camera will be used to detect drivers using their mobile phone and vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts (Image: Merseyside Police)The device supports two infrared cameras which utilise AI to detect potential offences, this data is then sent to an operator who verifies the reading and marks offences for progression. Offences are then sent to Merseyside Police to process.

Paul Fletcher from Merseyside Road Safety Partnership said: "We’re hoping the technology will bring about a change in behaviour.

"The vast majority of the public recognise the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving and understand the seriousness of not wearing a seatbelt.

"For those who don’t appreciate the risks associated with both, we’re hoping this device will be enough to prevent them from continuing to put themselves and other at risk of harm"