Major change to police use of dashcam footage from DIY traffic cops in Wales

Wales Online

3 days ago

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A major change has been announced to how police in Wales will use dashcam and other footage showing potential traffic offences.
Operation Snap - led by road safety partnership GoSafe - is a digital portal that encourages public submissions of video proof of traffic violations. Careless driving and dangerously close overtakes of cyclists top the list of offences, along with running red lights.
It has proved successful and been a "valuable tool" in cracking down on dangerous drivers. But with an increasing number of drivers and riders using dashcams and helmet cams the number of videos submitted has rocketed.
The amount of footage submitted doubled from 2021 to 2023 and has continued to rise since then. It has seen GoSafe announce an immediate change to how it deals with many of those submissions as a major review is carried out.
This won't affect "serious" cases that are highlighted by the public. But there will be a change when lower level issues are brought to the attention of police. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
Up to now these have been dealt with in the form of a warning letter going out to drivers and riders. But this will no longer happen at this time while a review will decide what the longer term plan will be.
GoSafe said: "Since its inception in 2017 Operation Snap has proved a valuable tool for Road Safety in Wales. It allows member of the public to submit footage of potential road traffic offences, directly to the police, via an internet portal, and where appropriate suitable action can be taken against offenders, as part of the overall Welsh road safety effort.
"However, the scheme has become so successful that the team is no longer able to manage the demand submitted by the public. We are in the process of reviewing the operation, in order to ensure that it remains efficient and effective.
"Therefore, until further notice, we will not be able to take any further action in cases which would previously be dealt with by warning letter. This change will mean that the operation can continue, and that the teams will be able to deal with the most serious cases submitted.
"We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time."
A concerned driver, who said they had used the service, said it was a "real shame" and that the police should increase funding.
They added: "Dashcam submissions must be one of the most cost effective methods the police have. Rather than employing one or two trained officers in a maintained performance car, they merely have to assess a 1 or 2 minute video. These submissions also avoid the dangers associated with stopping a vehicle on a public road." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox