Police ask public to send illegal driving videos

A driver who took a shortcut on the pavement was fined after being recorded by a member of the public

People are being encouraged to report dangerous drivers by sending footage via a police force's reporting tool.

Durham Police has asked members of the public to use "Operation Snap" if they capture video of driving offences.

The force said it received about 700 submissions in 2023, with action being taken in about half of cases.

Aaron Leathley, from Durham's Road Safety Bureau, said he was "confident" they would see a reduction in casualties if more people knew about the reporting tool.

Mr Leathley said: "Even if this just starts to feature in driver's minds that they could be captured on video, before they drive in an unacceptable manner, and that they may face proceedings as a result, then this will be a positive outcome for us."

Durham Police brought in its reporting tool at the start of 2023, allowing people to report dangerous driving on roads in County Durham and Darlington.

It is also used by a number of police forces across the country.

Driving offences that can be reported include using a mobile phone at the wheel

Mr Leathley said the Durham Police force area was mainly rural, which attracts road users other than cars.

"We have many motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders using our road network and many of these are now using helmet cameras or similar," he said.

"I'd like to reach out to these other groups to encourage them to use Operation Snap where appropriate."

About 450 submissions have already been made in 2024.