Huge rise in video clips of bad driving sent to police
Wed, 09 Oct 2024
Police forces in England and Wales have revealed a huge increase in video clips of bad driving sent in by the public – with around 9 in 10 submissions leading to drivers being sanctioned.
West Midlands Police is among the forces revealing a staggering rise in notices of intended prosecution being sent to motorists as a result of video clips sent in by the public.
Latest estimates are that around 150,000 video clips are being submitted to the police each year, from helmet cams, dashcams and mobile phones.
Such is the volume, many police forces have set up dedicated portals to submit videos – West Midlands Police is among those running an ‘Operation Snap’ service. This comes after the number of video clips submitted grew from just 208 in 2017 to more than 11,000 already in 2024.
Every piece of footage is reviewed by specially trained staff, says West Midlands Police. Offences can include dangerous driving, using a mobile phone, failing to stop at a red light, crossing solid white lines and other offences.
Footage must be submitted within 10 days of the alleged offence, and ideally show the whole incident, including one minute before and after.
"I think people are getting more aware of the poor standard of driving in the West Midlands area and people know there’s a place they can report it to and the police will take action," Sgt Stephen Evans told the BBC.
One driver, he said, did a U-turn on the A38 near Spaghetti junction, which was captured on a dashcam. The driver was fined £900.
Tim, a cycling instructor from Birmingham, has submitted hundreds of pieces of footage capturing bad driving. He said every video he’s submitted has resulted in police action.
"Most often, the penalty is an education course. I think that’s appropriate… everyone has a chance to make a mistake and to learn. But, for a second offence, it should be a fixed penalty notice, points on your licence and a fine."
