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Millions of UK motorists issued speed camera warning
It is mainly due to high-resolution AI cameras catching ‘in-vehicle’ offences that may have previously gone unnoticed.
A widespread lack of awareness surrounds the advanced enforcement technology being rolled out on UK roads.
New research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover reveals nearly three-quarters (72%) of motorists are unaware that AI cameras – designed to identify offences such as seatbelt violations and mobile phone use through the windscreen – are now active across the UK.
While the implementation of AI technology varies by region and specific trial periods, the data reveals an Easter peak for offences; spikes which are likely driven by the sheer number of vehicles on the road, increased holiday enforcement and the fatigue associated with longer holiday drives.
The data also revealed the ‘most caught’ vehicles** among these forces combined, with drivers of Audi, Ford, and Volkswagen models revealed as the most likely to be flagged for a penalty during the Easter holiday rush.
While specific recording requirements vary by force, these three make are consistently ranked in the ‘Top 10’ for recorded offences across all the pioneer regions analysed.
While the risk of offences over Easter increased last year, 2026 is set to see more oversight as the UK moves into an era of AI enforcement under the Government’s 2026 Road Safety Strategy.
Backed by a £115m National AI Centre initiative, ‘Precision Enforcement’ is being used to target leading causes of collisions, including distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts, speeding, and impaired driving.
While the technology has evolved, Tempcover’s research of 2,000 UK motorists reveals a disconnect between road safety laws and actual driver behaviour.
Over one in eight (13%) admit to either personally driving or witnessing the driver use a phone or tablet behind the wheel to text, change music, or watch videos.
Furthermore, a quarter (25%) of motorists mistakenly believe that holding a phone in their lap or below dashboard level will escape detection.
In reality, AI sensors are positioned to capture high-resolution images through the windscreen, spotting devices even when tucked out of sight of traditional patrols.
The data also shows that comfort often comes at the cost of compliance. On long car journeys, nearly one in ten (9%) admit to either loosening their seatbelt while driving or witnessing the driver do so, while 7% report their seatbelt being removed entirely by themselves or the driver.
Meanwhile, a quarter (26%) say they have abandoned a safe seated position as a passenger or have seen someone else do so – including placing feet on the dashboard, a behaviour the new AI cameras are calibrated to detect.
The penalties for these ‘in-vehicle’ offences are severe
While a seatbelt violation carries an immediate £100 fine (rising to £500 in court), using a handheld mobile phone – even while stationary in traffic – results in a £200 fine and six penalty points.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “The emergence of AI technology marks a shift in road safety enforcement, making it more important than ever for motorists to be mindful of their habits behind the wheel, especially during mass driving moments like Easter.
“The Easter getaway can be a test of driver endurance but our research also shows that fatigue often sets in in just over an hour.
“An effective way to stay safe and help avoid preventable fines on longer journeys is to recognise signs of exhaustion and share the load.
“Flexible options like temporary car insurance enable motorists to legally swap drivers at stops like service stations for just an hour or a day.”
The presenter is well known to audiences for working with Richard Hammond and James May on both the BBC’s Top Gear and Prime Video’s The Grand Tour.
Having spent over two decades as part of the iconic trio, Mr Clarkson also has presented Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? on ITV since 2018.
This came after he replaced former host Chris Tarrant, who had been on the programme since its inception.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson ‘laughed at 19-year-old girl failing to parallel park’
The broadcaster revealed that the game show will see two players make it all the way to the final question this series.
It has now been revealed by ITV that “at least one” contestant will be walking away with £1,000,000 in the new episodes this month.
Mr Clarkson said: “I think this may be my favourite series so far. Seeing two people get to the £1 million question was extraordinary.
“When they’re sitting there on that final question, the tension in the studio is incredible; you can really feel it. Can’t wait for people to watch it.”
READ MORE: Historic England issues statement to Jeremy Clarkson over Cotswolds pub
Mr Clarkson lives in Oxfordshire, where he bought Diddly Squat Farm, then known as Curdle Hill, back in 2008.
The Chadlington-based spot is the focus of Prime Video’s hit documentary show, Clarkson’s Farm.
With four seasons already under its belt, the popular programme is set to return next month with series five.
As many as eight new episodes are expected to be released on Prime Video, with Mr Clarkson to feature heavily once again.
Air fryers, stand mixers and slow cookers are all part of the sale.
Running until April 8 2026, the promotion includes big savings on everyday cooking essentials, with big discounts landing just ahead of Easter.
Air fryer under £90 is leading the sale
One of the standout deals is the Adjustable Large Drawer Air Fryer 9L, now reduced from £129.99 to £89.99.
The model includes:
- A divider to create two separate cooking zones
- Eight pre-set cooking programmes
- A Smart Finish function so meals are ready at the same time
With flexible cooking and a large capacity, it is being positioned as a practical upgrade for busy households looking to cut cooking time and energy use.
Slow cooker drops below £30
For shoppers after a budget-friendly option, Lakeland’s 3.5L Slow Cooker has been reduced to £29.99.
Key features include:
- Three heat settings
- Glass lid for easy monitoring
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic pot
It is aimed at simple, low-effort meals, particularly useful for batch cooking or preparing Easter dishes with minimal prep.
Small upgrade, big difference for Easter cooking
Not all the deals are big-ticket items.
The Multi-Purpose Oven Baking Tray is down to £9.59 and designed for:
- Roasting vegetables
- Baking
- Non-stick easy cleaning
With Easter meals on the horizon, this is one of the lower-cost upgrades that could make a noticeable difference in the kitchen.
Stand mixer under £200
At the higher end, the gorgeous Deluxe 6.5L Stand Mixer has been reduced from £249.99 to £199.99.
It includes:
- Planetary mixing action
- 10 speed settings
- Whisk, dough hook and beater attachments
For home bakers, the price drop brings a premium appliance into a more accessible range ahead of a busy baking season.
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With the sale ending on April 8, timing is a key factor.
Deals like:
- Air fryer under £90
- Mixer under £200
- Everyday essentials under £10
But, it’s worth noting that these are limited-time offers, and similar seasonal promotions often sell out quickly.
What are your plans over the Easter Bank Holiday? Let us know in the comments what you’re up to.
From soap star Beverley Callard to former football manager Harry Redknapp, the South African camp will see a group of famous faces take on even more challenges.
With the trials in South Africa being described as even tougher than those in Australia, you might be wondering how you can watch all the action in the new series.
I’m A Celebrity South Africa lineup 2026
The series, which is the second to be filmed in South Africa, will feature the following stars:
- Former football manager Harry Redknapp
- Reality star Gemma Collins
- Soap actress Beverley Callard
- Olympian Sir Mo Farah
- Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt
- Champion boxer David Haye
- Actor Adam Thomas
- Former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts
- Comedian Seann Walsh
- Pop star Sinitta
- Red Dwarf star Craig Charles
- Ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard
How did the lineup do in previous I’m A Celeb series’?
Scarlett Moffatt was crowned Queen of the Jungle back in 2016, while Harry Redknapp won the show in 2018.
Winners of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here
David Haye made it to the final in 2012, but Jimmy Bullard had a less successful run in the camp in 2014 and was the first campmate to be voted off.
Is I’m A Celeb South Africa pre-recorded or live?
I’m A Celebrity South Africa is pre-recorded, so the show has already been filmed, unlike the Australian series, which sees Ant and Dec present it live with some pre-recorded elements.
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However, ITV will include a live episode for the final of the show so viewers can vote for the winner of the series, according to the Radio Times.
How to watch I’m A Celeb’s new South Africa series
I’m A Celebrity South Africa’s first episode will air on Easter Monday (April 6).
ITV1 will broadcast the pre-recorded episode from 9pm until 10.30pm or you can watch it on ITVX.
What has been your favourite I’m A Celebrity series so far? Let us know in the comments below.
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