A new spy-in-the-sky camera has caught thousands of distracted drivers using their mobile phones illegally behind the wheel on motorways.
The cameras are being trialled across the UK and are designed to instantly catch out motorists using their phones, Metro reported.
Findings from the trial suggest as many as one in 200 drivers use their phone while driving on the motorway. It is estimated that if a driver looks at their phone for two seconds travelling at 30mph, they will drive ‘blind’ for 100ft.
A single camera caught 15,000 people with a phone in their hand in just six months throughout the trial but the actual figure will be much higher as cameras were not monitoring all lanes of traffic or in constant use.
The new technology has been described as a "game-changer" for police, as the cameras use artificial intelligence to instantly analyse high definition photos taken through the windscreen of every passing vehicle.
Geoff Collins, of the tech firm Jenoptik, said the trial showed a "scary" number of drivers were using phones on the motorway.
"Current findings suggest one in 200 vehicles show mobile phone misuse. This is a worryingly high figure," he said.
There would need to be a change of law for the cameras to be used to prosecute offenders, he said.
Mr Collins added: "Using a handheld mobile phone significantly increases the risk that a driver will be involved in a collision.
"But until now it has been difficult to monitor and stop this behaviour. These trials have proved that AI can flag up drivers who continue to flout the rules."
The technology is already used in New South Wales, Australia, and is estimated to have reduced road fatalities by a fifth since it was brought in two years ago.
Jeremy Phillips, National Highways head of road safety, said: "Safety remains our top priority and we want everyone to get to their destination safely.
"Sadly, there are still drivers who don’t feel the need to wear a seatbelt or become distracted by their phones.
"Our advice is clear, please buckle up and give the road your full attention."
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