Forces launch new dashcam plan to tackle bad driving
BAD drivers are being warned “the police are everywhere” as Wales’ four police forces launch a new initiative urging drivers to submit dashcam footage of dangerous road users.
Officers have set up a dedicated web page where motorists can post video of other road users flouting the rules.
They are asking for footage of any traffic offence from weaving across solid white lines, driving dangerously using a mobile phone while driving or ignoring traffic lights.
Inspector Steve Davies of South Wales Police said: “Police officers cannot be everywhere, as much as they try, but with Operation Snap the police could be anywhere.
“The aim of this initiative is to change driver behaviour and their mind-set behind the wheel.
“We want drivers to ask themselves two questions: firstly, am I being recorded? and secondly, do I really want to take that chance?”
The initiative devised and piloted by the GoSafe unit in north Wales but is now being expanded across Wales as part of Operation Snap.
The joint initiative between the four Welsh police forces, GoSafe and the Crown Prosecution Service, has been backed by Cycling UK and The British Horse Society.
Alison Jones’ 77-year-old uncle David Howells was killed as he crossed a road in Swansea on Black Friday in 2016 by a driver later convicted of driving without due care and attention.
Mrs Jones said: “The impact of David’s death has been devastating and I want people to be aware of how their actions behind the wheel can ruin families’ lives.
“How just rushing to work or getting in the car and using your mobile phone can have such a huge and lasting impact.
“For us, the fact that someone decided to take their eyes off the road, for whatever reason, took away someone we loved dearly.
“It was so needless and we have to live with that forever.”
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable, Jeremy Vaughan, said: “Following a trial phase, a number of improvements were made including the way in which footage can now be submitted. This is now a very simple and streamlined process.
“This provides us with the ability target those who drive dangerously and reduce the number of fatal or serious road related accidents that occur on our roads.
“Operation Snap is for all roads users – from pedestrians to cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and drivers of all vehicles.
“If you have recorded anyone driving dangerously, then you can help us by submitting your footage online.
“By supporting this operation you are reminding those that drive dangerously on Wales’ roads that there is nowhere to hide.”
To submit footage to any of the four Welsh Police Forces, visit https://gosafesnap.wales/ or https://gosafesnap.cymru