New cameras are being trialled in Durham by the police to see if drivers wear their seatbelts or use their phones while behind the wheel.

The new technology is mounted on a vehicle or trailer and has multiple cameras to give different views of the driver.

Now ten police forces, including Durham, are using the new kit to discover how useful the cameras could be.

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 seatbelt.

The police forces taking part in the trial are: Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk; Thames Valley Police and Sussex.

Matt Staton, the Head of National Road User Safety Delivery for National Highways, said: "We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.

"Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.

"We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well."

There are plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time giving an unobscured view of all lanes.

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The new type of technology captures footage of passing motorists. The images are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse whether the motorists could be using a handheld mobile phone or drivers may be without a seat belt.

The images are then passed to police for consideration on any action to be taken. Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt in addition to penalty points. While using a mobile phone while driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.

The latest trial began on 19 February and will run until March 2025.