Hello

I’m pleased to see the positive impact of new AI road safety cameras being trialled in Sussex, helping us tackle some of the most dangerous behaviours on our roads.

In just four weeks, these cameras detected more than 2,200 offences at a single location – including 459 drivers using a mobile phone and 1,823 not wearing a seatbelt.

These are not minor issues. Failing to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving are among the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions, and they put lives at risk every single day.

This technology supports officers by identifying potential offences quickly and accurately, allowing police to focus their time where it matters most. Importantly, every image is reviewed by a person before any action is taken.

While I welcome the use of innovative tools to strengthen enforcement, what really matters is changing behaviour. Encouragingly, offences reduced week by week during the trial as awareness grew – showing that education and visibility do make a difference.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. I would urge everyone to think carefully about their actions behind the wheel and to challenge unsafe behaviour when they see it. If you see vehicles speeding or driving dangerously, please report them to Operation Crackdown. Together, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and keep Sussex roads safe.

Respect the water: Life Saving Advice

The recent record-breaking heatwave has tragically seen too many lives lost after people got into difficulty in and around the water. For young people in particular, the draw of open water can be strong - but this is often where the danger begins.

As exams come to an end and summer approaches, understanding the risks of entering the water and knowing how to react if you get into trouble, can be the difference between life and death.

Two national water safety campaigns are already live: RNLI – Float to Live and The National Water Safety Forum's Phone Float Throw which help people understand what to do if they get into difficulty or see someone in trouble in the water.

This advice is relevant all year around and especially so during warmer summer months. Please share this lifesaving advice far and wide to help save lives.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner