Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Trial (ends March 2025) - privacy notice

This privacy notice sits beneath our top level privacy notice and provides information about how personal data is used in relation to our Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Trial.

The cameras used are not fixed as they're on a movable trailer or van. The location of the cameras is determined in collaboration with the Local Safer Roads Partnership and/or Police Force. Examples of the vehicles used can be found below.

Trailer in use beside road
Van in use on road

(Photos provided by Sussex Police)

What personal data do we collect and handle?

Information we may collect includes:

  • VRM – for registered keeper details
  • Images of vehicle occupants if a potential offence is identified.

Please note that the information we process on you will always be proportionate and only used in support for the purpose specified.

What do we use the data for?

The new type of technology captures footage of passing motorists. The images are initially processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse whether the motorists could be using a handheld mobile phone or people in the vehicle are not wearing a seat belt.  If the AI calculates a high probability of an offence, the images are sent on for human review, and potentially for consideration of further action by the Police.

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.

How long will we keep the data?

The data will be kept by our commercial partner (AECOM) for three months from date of transfer to relevant enforcement agency.

Where will the data be stored?

Data is held by our commercial partner (AECOM) who are managing the deployment. The data does not leave the UK.

What legally allows us to collect and handle information about you?

Article 6.1(e) - processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

As part of the Roads Investment Strategy 2, National Highways has KPI to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Strategic Road Network by at least 50% by the end of 2025 against the 2005-09 average baseline.

Who do we share your data with?

The images are shared with the Police force where the incident takes place.  The forces involved with the trial are Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, North Wales Police, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.

What rights do you have?

You have the right to:

  • be informed as to what we are using your personal data for
  • access your personal data
  • rectify your personal data
  • restrict our processing of your personal data
  • erasure

You can email our Data Protection Officer if you have any queries about your data. 

Feedback