AI captures thousands of offences on danger road

A notorious stretch of the A361 is under renewed scrutiny after artificial intelligence cameras recorded thousands of dangerous driving incidents in just four months.

- Lewis Clarke

The Frome Bypass, used by around 15,000 vehicles a day, has become a focal point for safety concerns following six fatal collisions in the past five years - four of which occurred between 2023 and 2024.

Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police installed state-of-the-art AI cameras along the road as part of a wider package of safety measures.

Between March and July 2025, the cameras recorded more than 4,500 offences, including 4,407 cases of drivers not wearing seat belts, 119 instances of mobile phone use behind the wheel, and 74 vehicles caught speeding at more than 80mph.

Currently, the speed limit is 60mph, but a reduction to 50mph is being considered as part of a broader road safety engineering scheme.

The potential changes also include improved road markings and other inbuilt safety features. A feasibility study is under way, and work could begin in late 2026.

Meanwhile, the AI cameras will remain in operation.