New AI cameras are being used to help police target offenders and save lives in Sussex.

Sussex Police is the latest force to deploy the technology, designed specifically to detect drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

These are among the ‘fatal five’ offences, and during the last three years in Sussex, 82 people have been involved in a collision where someone was driving whilst using a mobile phone, and 214 people have been injured in a collision due to not wearing a seatbelt.

The use of the cameras follows a successful trial by National Highways in 2024, which saw 458 offences detected across seven days in Sussex.

Of these, 330 were for a driver not wearing a seatbelt; 118 were for a driver using a mobile phone and 10 were for both offences combined.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “We regularly hear from our communities across Sussex that they are tired of seeing people using their mobile phones whilst driving, therefore increasing the risk to everyone around them. And while we endeavour to respond to these concerns and proactively patrol wherever possible, the reality is we cannot be everywhere all of the time.

“These AI cameras are not designed to replace modern day policing, but to enhance it. By embracing the technology available to us, we can build a better picture of driver behaviour, influence behavioural change and take action where necessary.

“It is statistically proven that not wearing a seatbelt and driving whilst distracted which includes using a mobile phone are among the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads. We hope that this new initiative will help to reduce the number of these collisions, which so often cause absolute devastation to victims and their loved ones.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “One of my key manifesto pledges was to address road safety which is why I established the Fatal Five Unit in Sussex – to tackle the main causes of serious injury and death on our roads with a targeted determination.  The trial of AI camera systems is another promised delivered.

“With 82 collisions involving drivers using mobile phones and 214 people injured due to not wearing a seatbelt in just 12 months, I welcome the use of technology to enhance policing capability and allow Sussex Police to deploy resources more effectively. This technology will strengthen their ability to detect dangerous behaviours, intervene earlier and reach more locations across our county.

“But we all have a role to play. We must not be afraid to challenge friends, family members or anyone getting behind the wheel if they are using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt. Poor decisions put lives at risk and no message or moment of convenience is worth the devastation caused by a fatal collision.

“I look forward to discussing the impact and results of the AI cameras with the Chief Constable in due course.”

The cameras, supplied by Acusensus, are funded through Sussex Police’s road safety recovery costs, which include proceeds from speed awareness courses.

Geoff Collins, UK General Manager for Acusensus said: “We know that these dangerous driving behaviours are happening across our road network and that is a real matter of concern to all sensible drivers.  Appropriate use of new technology now allows us to identify and evidence this in a way that would be impractical for conventional roads policing.  We have also seen impressive improvements to driving behaviours where the system is deployed, which I’m confident will be the case in Sussex.”

They will remain in place for several weeks, before being reviewed and evaluated.

The use of the AI cameras, which went live on Monday 13 April, dovetail with the national roads policing Operation Spotlight campaign running throughout April, which has a particular focus on seatbelt compliance.

Mark Baker, Sussex Police Road Safety Team Manager, said: “Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I welcome the use of this technology to help keep people safer. If you know anyone who uses their phone whilst driving, or does not routinely put their seatbelt on, please encourage them to change their behaviour and reduce the risk for everyone on the roads of Sussex.”

Find out more about the new AI cameras here.

The Crawley Fusion Mela will return this summer, taking place over two days on 25 and 26 July. 

The free, family-friendly event will celebrate the diversity of Crawley through a programme of cultural performances, activities and workshops, bringing residents and visitors together for a weekend of live entertainment and community celebration.

The festival will begin on Saturday 25 July, with a day of inspiring dance, eclectic music, film and photography exhibition delivered by Creative Crawley at County Mall. 

Crawley Fusion Mela celebrations will continue the following day, Sunday 26 July, in Memorial Gardens with local talent and international acts produced by Cohesion Plus, creative producers of culturally diverse festivals and performances. This vibrant, diverse and free event will feature live music, traditional and fusion dancing, street circus, workshops and stalls.

Crawley Fusion Mela has been a popular fixture in the town’s cultural calendar in the past, and its return marks the first time the event has been held in a number of years.

Crawley Fusion Mela is an important celebration of the many cultures that make up our borough, and we know many residents who fondly remember past ones held here will be absolutely thrilled to see it return this summer. Events like this bring people together, help showcase local talent and create welcoming spaces where everyone can have some fun. We look forward to seeing you there in July.

Councillor Sue Mullins

Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Culture

Crawley Borough Council

High visibility hotspot policing patrols in the last year have slashed crime in targeted areas across Sussex.

The Safer Streets Summer campaign saw a near 9% cut in all crime compared to the same period last year.

The Winter of Action campaign led a near 18% reduction in retail crime and near 33% reduction in knife crime.

Chief Inspector Jim Loader said: “Hotspot policing has been successful in reducing crime in targeted areas in Sussex, as it has across the country.

“Providing a regular visible presence and engaging with the community to gather intelligence in locations where we see more crime, has helped reduce and prevent further crime.”

During the year officers completed more than 10,000 hours of additional patrols. They arrested more than 480 people and took 92 knives off the streets during targeted patrols in six towns and 18 specific hotspots to help protect the community from serious violence and antisocial behaviour.

The additional high visibility patrols have led to arrests for assault, robbery, drug supply with a significant number of drugs being taken off the streets. Other arrests include criminal damage and shoplifting, which led one prolific shoplifter becoming the first Sussex offender to be fitted with a GPS buddy tag for shoplifting.

Barry Farthing, of Hughenden Road, Hastings, was reported and swiftly arrested on his way home from the Co-Op with 11 further Co-Op thefts. He had failed to appear at court five days before where he was to be sentenced in relation to 44 further shop thefts. Appearing before Brighton Magistrates Court and pleading guilty to 12 additional shoplifting offences, he was jailed for eight months and issued a criminal behaviour order, which involved fitting a GPS tag.

Just two Brighton officers on hotspot patrols have put drug dealers before the court and behind bars for a total of 55 years so far and taken a significant number of drugs off the city’s streets.

Chief Inspector Loader said: “Going forward Sussex Police has received funding to focus on knife crime hyperlocal hotspots.

“We welcome this to help us target the root cause of knife crime with interventions that work towards the national target of halving knife crime.

“Outside of these hyperlocal hotspots we will continue high visibility hotspot patrolling to benefit areas where needed.

“Our priority is to reduce violence and knife crime and make our communities safe and feel safe.”

A public consultation has been launched into a housing development north west Southwater.

Plans submitted to Horsham District Council, could see up to 1000 homes being built near the village.

Developer, Berkeley Group said 35% of the homes would be categorised as affordable housing and there would also be a new nursery, primary and secondary schools, along with about 59 hectares of green open space.

Then consultation end on then 23 April.

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Four pupil from The Beacon School in Banstead, have been chosen to be ball boys and girls at this years Wimbledon.

Oscar, Caitlin, Adam and Oliver, will be among about 250 pupils from years nine and ten at the tennis tournament.

PE teacher Nathan Sasson picked the four to attend official try outs in February, after which they were selected.

Head teacher, James Grant Duff said the pupils had been rewarded for their hard work in recent months.