Belgium and Netherlands expand camera surveillance to detect phone use while driving

Authorities in Belgium and the Netherlands are intensifying efforts to curb mobile phone use while driving through advanced surveillance technology.

In Belgium, Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke has confirmed plans to implement intelligent detection cameras by 2028. These cameras will utilize Artificial Intelligence and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to monitor the interior of vehicles. The system is designed to capture multiple photos of a vehicle to detect drivers using handheld devices, aiming to improve road safety despite potential privacy concerns.

In the Netherlands, a recent large-scale enforcement operation under the ‘MONO’ campaign resulted in 200 fines for distracted driving. Police utilized both observers in tour buses and specialized MONO cameras on major motorways, such as the A16 and A58, to identify drivers holding electronic devices. The operation involved cooperation between Dutch police and the Belgian Federal Highway Police to share expertise and enforcement tactics.