Reckless driving in Newquay featured in Police video marking milestone

Sunday, 26 January 2025 13:10

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Operation Snap, a scheme enabling the public to submit video footage of dangerous driving, has surpassed 20,000 submissions since its launch in 2019.

To mark the milestone, the police have released a video featuring examples of reckless driving, including two incidents in Newquay.

Record Year for Submissions

Last year alone saw a record-breaking 6,272 submissions, bringing the total number of reports to over 20,600. Dangerous overtaking, unsecured loads falling into traffic, and vehicles driving the wrong way on dual carriageways are just a few of the offences captured on camera.

Among the highlighted incidents was footage of a driver in Newquay overtaking a refuse worker and mounting the pavement. The motorist received a £622 fine and six penalty points for driving without due care.

In another case, a driver was fined more than £1,000 and given six points for overtaking a bin lorry by driving over the pavement at the bottom of Grosvenor Avenue in Newquay town centre.

Police Praise Public Involvement

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, Adrian Leisk, commended the public for their role in making roads safer.

“Police officers cannot be everywhere, so the public’s help is vital when it comes to keeping our roads safe.

“20,000 online submissions from concerned road users stand as a testament to this effective partnership with our communities. By submitting video evidence through Op Snap, we can hold drivers accountable and educate or prosecute those who fall short. This improves road safety and ultimately reduces the number of people killed or seriously injured.”

Leisk noted that with the growing prevalence of dashcams, helmet cameras, and even doorbell cameras, dangerous driving is increasingly likely to be recorded. Submissions have led to penalties ranging from driver education courses to fines, points, and disqualifications.

Vision Zero’s Road Safety Goal

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who chairs Vision Zero South West, also thanked the public for their contributions.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to submit video footage to Op Snap – you are making a positive difference to the safety of road users across the region.

“This is about saving lives. In 2023, 48 people were killed and 702 were seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads. All of Vision Zero’s members are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious road collisions by 50% by 2030 – and Op Snap plays a big part in that.”

While the number of submissions highlights the public’s willingness to support safer roads, Hernandez hopes to see a decline as driving standards improve.