Dangerous manoeuvres, lethal overtakes, insecure loads and drivers jumping red lights were just some of the 3,400 offences captured by members of the public in Devon and Cornwall last year.
In a record year for the scheme, Devon and Cornwall Police received 4,736 video submissions in 2022, up 151% on the previous year.
Thanks to these submissions, police were able to take positive action against 3,400 motorists – a 135% year-on-year increase.
Adrian Leisk, Devon and Cornwall Police’s head of road safety, said: “As these latest figures for 2022 show, we are seeing more and more submissions to Op Snap which are resulting in more notices of intended prosecution. We are incredibly grateful for the support of communities in reducing road harm.
“Dashcam, mobile phone and body camera ownership is on the increase and I want to make it very clear that if you drive dangerously in Devon and Cornwall, there is a very good chance someone will have captured it on camera and will submit that footage to the police.”
To emphasise the importance of the scheme, Vision Zero South West has released two examples of video footage received through Op Snap – both showing insecure loads on major routes which had the potential to result in death or serious injury.
In one clip, the driver of a tractor towing a large trailer is clearly unaware of a large, loose tyre attached to the rear of his trailer with a strap. After dragging it behind the vehicle, the strap eventually breaks leaving the tyre in the middle of the highway.
In the other, wooden planks and other building items are seen flying off the rear of a pick-up truck on a three-lane section of the A38, having not been secured safely.
Adrian Leisk added: “Both of these incidents could have been far worse and resulted in death or serious injury.
“It is vital that drivers towing or carrying any sort of load ensure that it is secured safely within their vehicle or trailer, and cannot move.
“These videos also feature other lethal examples of driving on our roads, including dangerous overtaking, jumping red lights and generally not showing regard or respect to other road users – including those who are most vulnerable such as cyclists.”
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