A NEW online service will allow people in Dorset to upload pictures and videos of dangerous driving to the police.

Dorset Police has announced the launch of Operation Snap, a secure website through which members of the public can upload dashcam or otherwise-filmed video and digital photographs of road traffic incidents which they have witnessed.

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, head of Alliance Roads Policing, said there is a "significant demand" for Operation Snap.

He said: "We have been receiving complaints from members of the public about dangerous and anti-social driving for some time.

“It allows us to effectively deal with digital footage and photos of traffic offences in a safe and secure way, whilst making the investigation process simple and straightforward for the police and members of the public.

"Dorset Police has a determined and robust approach to policing the roads in our force area and will take every opportunity to make them safer for everyone."

He said that the website will increase the likelihood of dangerous, careless or inconsiderate drivers being caught. Operation Snap will make it easier to administer driver education or penalties thanks to the evidence provided by the public.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “I’m very pleased there has been a sustained drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads over the last seven years and I hope this system will provide yet another tool to help us continue to make our roads even safer, by empowering responsible motorists to help the police take dangerous drivers off the road.”

Operation Snap was produced with the support of the Department for Transport. The secure portal can be accessed via the force website: www.dorset.police.uk/opsnap

The public are urged to read fully the frequently asked questions section on the website before uploading digital material, and also to remember the following:

  • The secure form is for traffic offences, it is NOT for submitting footage of road traffic collisions or any other offences, or for parking issues
  • They must be able to provide the registration number of the offending vehicle
  • They should be prepared to sign a witness statement and possibly give evidence in court
  • Statements for Operation Snap can only be accepted from persons aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 the incident should be reported by email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk