With the use of dashcams, helmet cameras and smartphones on the rise, an increasing number of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists are capturing motoring offences on camera and, in many cases, reporting it to the Police. A whopping 125,000 dashcam submissions were received by the Police last year.
What is Operation Snap?
Operation Snap was created to streamline the way in which members of the public can submit their footage to the Police. The Police carefully review the footage and decide whether to take further action.
The types of offences commonly reported through Operation Snap include:
- Speeding
- Mobile phone use
- Dangerous overtaking
- Careless Driving
- Tailgating
- Red-light running
The initiative not only empowers the public to play an active role in keeping roads safe but also acts as a deterrent to potential offenders, knowing that their actions might be caught on camera. The scheme has led to a rise in prosecutions for driving offences, ranging from minor infractions to more serious offences like dangerous driving.
False Allegations: A Real Concern?
A common concern about Operation Snap is the potential for misuse, such as people submitting doctored footage or using the system for personal vendettas. To mitigate these risks, police forces carefully vet each submission and require that footage be unedited and clearly show the alleged driving offence.
The Consequences of Being Caught
If you have been captured on camera committing any kind of motoring offence as a result of footage submitted to Operation Snap, this can lead to serious consequences.
Depending on the severity of the offence, these can include:
- Penalty Points and Fines
- Driving Ban
- Prosecution
- Insurance Implications
- Criminal Record
If you have been accused of an offence through Operation Snap, contact our specialist Road Traffic Defence Team for a free initial consultation. Call us today at 0161 930 5151, email us at crimeandregulatoryteam@gorvins.com or fill in the online form.