AI cameras on Frome Bypass catch thousands of driving offences
Over 4,500 driving offences were recorded by cameras on the Frome Bypass between March and July
Last updated 12th Nov 2025
AI cameras installed at a collision hotspot have identified more than 4,500 driving offences in just four months.
The new cameras were positioned on the A361 Frome Bypass as part of an ongoing safety initiative led by Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police.
From March to July 2025, the AI cameras recorded 4,407 instances of no seat belt use, 119 cases of mobile phone use while driving, and 74 speeding offences of vehicles caught travelling at over 80 mph.
The road is used by approximately 15,000 vehicles a day and currently has a speed limit of 60mph.
However, as part of a road safety initiative the speed limit is currently under assessment and could be reduced to a 50 mph limit.
Efforts to improve road safety
The A361 Frome Bypass has seen six fatalities over the past five years, with four occurring between 2023 and 2024.
In response, Somerset Council’s Road Safety Team and Avon and Somerset Police are collaborating on a range of measures aimed at reducing incidents, including a planned road safety engineering scheme.
If approved, this could involve a reduced speed limit, markings, and other in-built safety features.
It is anticipated work could start in late 2026.
Following serious incidents on the road, Somerset Council's Highways Team has already carried out some urgent work on the A361/A361 junction including , upgrading warning signs at junctions, installing STOP signs instead of Give Way, and an extension of the double white line systems on both approaches to the junction.
Calls for safer driving
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 from Avon and Somerset Police added: 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."
The AI cameras will remain operational on the Frome Bypass ahead of further planned changes by Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police.