Rise in 'bad driving videos' sent to police from things like doorbells and helmet and dashcams
The force hope it reminds drivers they're being watched, even when there's no police in sight
There's been a rise in the number of people uploading dashcam footage of bad driving across Devon and Cornwall.
There was almost 700 submissions to the force's 'Operation Snap' in May, up by 150 on the same time last year.
Last year more than 6,000 incidents were uploaded and sent to police here to investigate - with the force expecting that to rise this year.
They say footage now being uploaded includes from mobile phones as well as video doorbells, and motorcycle, bicycle and helmet cameras.
Dangerous overtaking, a lorry swerving over motorway lanes and a BMW doing donuts on a public road are among the incidents featured in a dashcam compilation issued by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
Adrian Leisk, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, said: “As more people install dashcams and submit their footage to Op Snap, drivers are realising that poor and dangerous driving is much more likely to be caught on camera and dealt with by the police.
“But it’s not just dashcam footage you can submit – Op Snap can take action on video clips from virtually any device such as mobile phones, video doorbells, motorcycle, bicycle and helmet cameras.”
Mr Leisk stressed that the vast majority of road users in Devon & Cornwall are safe, respectful and considerate – but a small minority continue to pose significant risks to other road users.
He said: “We really hope Operation Snap acts as a deterrent to this minority who think that they won't be detected driving in an appalling manner. Many of these submissions could have so easily resulted in a serious collision with people never getting home to their loved ones.
“We are so grateful to the hundreds of road users who submit footage every month, enabling us to hold this incredibly poor driving to account. You are literally saving lives in doing so.”
Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, is vice-chair of the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership.
Cllr Hughes said: “We are collectively committed to reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads.
“Initiatives like Op Snap play a big part in this by helping us identify those who are not driving to the required standards.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has submitted footage to Op Snap and would encourage anyone who witnesses poor or dangerous driving to do similar. It will help keep our roads and residents safe.”
For more information – or to submit footage to Op Snap – visit dc.police.uk/opsnap