AI cameras installed at a collision hotspot by Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police have logged thousands of offences in just four months.
The new state-of-art cameras positioned on the A361 Frome Bypass, part of an ongoing package of measures to improve safety on the road, have picked up more than 4,500 offences between March and July 2025 including 4,407 incidents of no seat belt being worn, 74 speeding offences clocked at over 80 mph and 119 instances of mobile phone use.
The speed limit on the road is currently 60 mph and as part of a road safety initiative, this could be reduced to 50 mph.
Used by about 15,000 vehicles a day, the road has sadly seen six fatalities in the last five years – four of these between 2023 and 2024.
Driver behaviour can often play a pivotal role in serious road incidents.
In addition to the camera initiative, a joint partnership between Somerset Council’s Road Safety Team and Avon and Somerset Police, a road safety engineering scheme is also in the pipeline. Currently the subject of a feasibility study, this scheme could include a lower speed limit along with markings and other in-built safety features.
It is anticipated work could start in late 2026. In the meantime, AI cameras will continue to operate on the road.
Last autumn following the latest serious incidents, Somerset Council’s Highways Team did some urgent work on the A361/A361 junction including refurbishment of lining, an upgrade of junction warning signs, introduction of STOP signs instead of Give Way and an extension of the double white line systems on both approaches to the junction.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services Councillor Richard Wilkins said:
We share the concerns of the community about the number of incidents on this stretch of road. That is why we are working in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police to try to improve safety.
AI cameras are part of a package of measures – we will also be working with police to put together an engineering scheme which could include a reduced speed limit as well as other measures.
Driver behaviour contributes to around 90 per cent of serious road collisions and these figures are shocking. We would urge all drivers – if you are getting behind the wheel of a car please act responsibly. Remember it is not just your life you are risking but the lives of other road users.
Inspector Matt Boiles of Avon and Somerset Police said: “AI technology is helping us to identify unsafe driving behaviours that too often lead to tragedy. The number of offences recorded on the Frome Bypass is deeply concerning and shows that too many drivers are still taking unnecessary risks.
This partnership approach allows us to combine enforcement with education and long-term road safety improvements. Every offence captured represents a potential life saved if that driver changes their behaviour.
- The Fatal Five campaign, backed by Avon and Somerset Police and led by Somerset Council’s Road Safety Team, highlights the key behaviours which can contribute to serious or fatal collisions. You can read more about it here.
