Thousands of Drivers Caught on Camera: Op Snap Surpasses 20,000 Submissions

Dangerous driving behaviours exposed through public submissions

Dangerous overtaking, insecure loads, and even a car driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway – these are just some of the alarming incidents captured by the public and submitted to Operation Snap, a road safety scheme for Devon and Cornwall.

The Vision Zero South West road safety partnership recently revealed that the scheme has received over 20,000 submissions since its launch in 2019, with 6,272 of those recorded in 2024 alone. Footage submitted by road users has highlighted a range of offences, including close passes on cyclists, near misses with pedestrians, and cars mounting pavements.

What Is Operation Snap?

Operation Snap is an online platform that allows road users to upload video evidence of dangerous driving. The submissions help Devon and Cornwall Police take action against offenders, whether through education, fines, penalty points, or even disqualification.

Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, commended the public’s role in road safety:
“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 stands as testament of this effective partnership with our communities, recognising that we all want to be safe on the roads of Devon & Cornwall.

“Everyone will have witnessed driving or riding on our roads that falls far short of an acceptable standard – and quite often this behaviour puts people’s lives at risk. This is just not acceptable.”

Adrian also highlighted the growing prevalence of recording devices such as dashcams and helmet cameras, increasing the likelihood of poor driving being caught on camera.

Positive Change Through Public Action

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and chair of Vision Zero South West, praised 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.

“While surpassing 20,000 submissions shows that the public is eager to work with us towards safer roads, ultimately we’d like to see submissions decrease as general driving standards improve.”

The Bigger Picture

In 2023, 48 people lost their lives and 702 were seriously injured on roads in Devon and Cornwall. Vision Zero South West aims to reduce fatal and serious collisions by 50% by 2030, with Operation Snap playing a critical role in achieving this goal.

For more information on Operation Snap, or to submit video footage, visit the Op-Snap website.