Almost 1,000 drivers were caught putting their and other motorists’ lives at risk using their phones or wearing no seatbelts on the A1(M) in just a week.

Special new AI cameras appeared on the motorway near Newton Aycliffe for a week at the beginning of July as part of a trial to catch drivers.

951 motorists were caught breaking the law, with 622 on their phones and 329 without a seatbelt.

In the space of a week, one driver was caught four times swiping away on their phone, and another car user three times.

A driver swiping away on his phone.A driver swiping away on his phone. (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

The cameras have two angles, meaning police can see right down into the drivers’ lap where many phone-users hide their devices.

Artificial intelligence then scans the pictures and looks for anyone with a phone in their hand, or not safely fastened in. The snaps are then sent to an officer to review.

Road Policing Inspector Paul Ryans said: “The results are truly shocking, the majority of the images show that almost all offenders are holding their phones low down meaning they are not concentrating on the road ahead of them, creating a significant risk not only to themselves but their passengers and other innocent motorists too.

A man using his phone behind the wheel.A man using his phone behind the wheel. (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

“We will be prosecuting all of the drivers who were caught on camera in the hope of changing behaviour and to prevent further tragedies.

“The message is: switch off your phone and put it away so you are not distracted.”

All of the drivers caught are being processed and will or have received letters in the post. Those caught using a mobile phone will have to pay a £200 fine and will receive 6 points on their licence.

It comes just weeks after drink driver Darryl Anderson using his phone to take a picture of his speedo ploughed into the back of a car killing eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his 30-year-old aunt Karlene Warner.

The temporary camera was installed as part of a trial into AI cameras across the UK.

Geoff Collins from the company behind the cameras, Acusensus, said: “We have to break the cycle of dangerous behaviours that some drivers get into, so this project sends a clear message - you can be detected and there are consequences. 

File photo of an AI camera used to detect drivers on their phones/without seatbelts.File photo of an AI camera used to detect drivers on their phones/without seatbelts.

"Our 'Heads Up' technology has been shown to make the roads safer in Australia, so we fully expect to bring the same casualty reduction benefits here in the UK too.”

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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen: “This camera has provided 951 sharp lessons that driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone is seriously not a good idea.

“We have to stop people taking risks like this, which are potentially lethal. 

“I know that road safety is one of the absolute top priorities for many residents, and I am doing everything I can to boost enforcement and crack down on those who continue to flout the law.”