A national rollout of 4D ‘spy’ cameras is catching British motorists off guard, with the majority of UK drivers (63%) totally unaware these exist, and a further half (51%) slamming the cameras as “an invasion of privacy”.

However, a similar number (49%) said that the cutting-edge technology was “justified”.

The cameras can see a full picture inside your car, and enable authorities to see if drivers are speeding, detect illegal use of mobile phones, and even see whether seat belts are fastened.

The cameras are also linked to UK police and DVLA databases, so checks on tax and insurance can be made at the same time, meaning drivers could be caught for numerous mistakes in one go.

A national trial of the futuristic cameras has recently begun, following a successful smaller trial in 2023 which saw 300 drivers caught in its first three days alone.

Used car dealership Big Motoring World surveyed 2,000 people in the UK about their opinion on these.

Their study revealed that millennials are by far the most likely age group to be up in arms about the new cameras, as over two-thirds (67%) of 25-34-year-olds say they are “ridiculous”.

In a bid to ensure they’re not the next to be caught out, a quarter of drivers (26%) said that they will change their driving style or take a different route in future.

A similar number of drivers (27%) said they’ll be more conscious of following the law, though more than half (56%) admitted the will continue to drive in the same way and in the same places.

Ian Hajyzamanali, Head of Marketing at Big Motoring World, said: “The introduction of these AI cameras has divided opinion and pulled privacy and safety into a head-on debate.

“With well over half of Brits being unaware of these cameras and their capabilities, it seems there is some distrust towards the new technology and a sense it’s a recoil of our right to privacy or a money gaining tool.

“Our survey has shown that there needs to be a clearer communication plan for the roll out of these, so drivers are fully aware.”

It was revealed that people in Belfast (76%), Bristol (59%), and Sheffield (57%) feel particularly strongly about the cameras being an invasion of their privacy.