Record number of clips showing careless and dangerous driving are being sent to West Midlands Police – thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s campaign to make our roads safer in the West Midlands.
Last month, West Midlands Police had 1,656 clips sent to its Operation Snap team as officers review images and footage captured by road users.
It’s by far the largest number of monthly submissions since the scheme began.
Those caught driving recklessly – including drivers on their mobile phones behind the wheel, motorists driving too close to cyclists or people jumping red lights – are issued with warning letters, awareness courses, fines or even ordered to attend court.
More than 80% of clips sent to Op Snap at West Midlands Police end with a positive outcome – a stat that has pleased PCC Simon Foster who met with the team last week following the launch of his Record. Report. Result. campaign to encourage even more people to submit their footage of dangerous driving.
“I was impressed by the commitment, dedication and hard work of the Op Snap team,” the PCC said. “I was able to convey to them just how valued their work is and this is reflected by the increasing level of submissions received and the positive feedback from members of the public.
“I was also able to discuss with the team the launch of my new campaign: Record. Report. Result. that is aimed at increasing awareness of Op Snap and the action members of the public can take, in partnership with West Midlands Police, to make our roads safer.
“I want the credit the essential work that is being undertaken to tackle dangerous and reckless driving, to keep our roads safe and reduce the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.”
The number of Op Snap submissions has soared from 207 in 2017, to 7,145 in 2023, and more than 13,524 already this year.
Tanya Johnson, who oversees the Op Snap team at West Midlands Police, 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.”
Send your clips of careless driving to West Midlands Police via Operation Snap | West Midlands Police
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