Watch motorhome driver on phone and shocking near misses as police sent record number of video clips
This is the moment a motorhome driver is caught using a mobile phone at the wheel. Police have also prosecuted scores of drivers after shocking near misses and jumping red lights - using footage sent to them in record numbers from the public.
Clips showing careless and dangerous driving are being sent to West Midlands Police to take action on, as their relentless work to make the roads safer in the region continues. Last month the force had 1,656 clips sent to their Operation Snap team, which reviews images and footage captured by road users, the largest number of monthly submissions since the scheme began.
The number of submissions has soared from 207 in 2017, to 7,145 in 2023, and more than 13,524 already this year. The Op Snap team reviews a whole host of clips - including drivers using their phones behind the wheel, motorists driving too close to cyclists, and people jumping red lights. The team can send out warnings, get drivers to go on awareness courses, or issue fines or even court summonses.
READ MORE: Man arrested in Edgbaston murder probe after victim shot dead and another fighting for life
And this week, the Record, Report, Result campaign was launched to encourage even more people to submit their footage. Tanya Johnson, who oversees the Snap team, said: “Op Snap is going from strength to strength in the West Midlands, with record numbers of submissions and fantastic feedback from the public.
“Not only did we have a record high number of submissions last month, but we were able to take positive action in 82% of cases. We know how frustrating it can be to see people driving in ways that puts other road users at risk and Op Snap is a powerful response to that.
“We’ve seen some criticism that we are asking drivers to do our job for us. Nothing could be further front the truth. We are asking people to help us reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads. Our Roads Policing Unit officers work 24/7 to take criminals off the roads, with targeted operations focusing in people who drive without insurance, as well as those who take part in street racing and those involved in theft of vehicles.
“But we can’t be everywhere all at the same time. The response to our work has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s great that so many people are recognising that they can play their own part in making the roads safer.”
You can send your clips here Operation Snap | West Midlands Police Snap is part of the police's wider commitment to road safety - Operation Triton. It's playing its part by investing in the Roads Policing Unit, with a focus on targeting criminals who use the roads, and also those who commit the Fatal Four Offences - speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone use, and not wearing a seatbelt. Find out more about our work here Operation Triton | West Midlands Police