Clever cameras are being used by cops to help catch drivers using their phones while driving.

The technology rolled out by Sussex Police allows officers to analyse drivers to see whether they are committing offences on the move.

Specialist Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras can catch motorists in the act by checking whether they are using their phones or are not using seatbelts.

Jo Shiner, Sussex Police Chief Constable, said: “Too many people continue to die on our roads and many more are seriously injured every day. I welcome all initiatives to help raise the profile of dangerous activities taking place on our roads and would urge everyone to wear a seat belt and not to be distracted by their mobile phone.

“I also acknowledge and thank the vast majority of law-abiding motorists who were shown to be fully compliant with the law during this operation.

“If people you care about use their phone while driving or don’t wear a seatbelt, please encourage them to change their behaviour before they get hurt or hurt someone else.”

A trial on the A23 near Gatwick and in Kingsway in Hove caught more than 200 offences.

Vehicle-mounted cameras can identify the offences but are “checked and double checked” by officers.

A trial of the technology in Australia has led to drops in deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

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Jamie Hassall, of National Highways, said: “We are getting a better picture of driver compliance on the strategic road network as we deploy this equipment on different types of roads around our network.

“We want to raise the awareness of the small percentage of drivers that put themselves and others at risk with these behaviours that we can now easily detect these offences.

“Most companies have a zero tolerance to using a handheld mobile phone and many have banned the use of hands free also due to the increased risk of having a collision and it is the same for seatbelts.

“This means drivers could be sacked, get points, and a fine or even find themselves in court in more serious cases. It is time to make a positive change by putting the phone away and belting up.”