OVER 150 drivers in Warwickshire were caught on camera using a phone while driving by members of the public last year.
During 2023, the public submitted 152 dashcam, headcam or phone videos of drivers suspected of illegally using a mobile to Warwickshire Police’s Operation Snap.
Among those who received fines of £200 and six points on their driving licences were drivers pictured on the M6 southbound, Lillington Avenue in Leamington, Main Street in Rugby, Lower Hillmorton Road in Rugby, and the A46 near Ansty.
Under Operation Snap, members of the public can report and submit digital footage showing potential traffic offences, ranging from dangerous or careless driving, overtaking on solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving, ignoring traffic lights or dangerous driving around other road users such as horse riders and cyclists.
Sgt Chris McSharry said: “It is really encouraging to see the public taking responsibility for road safety by submitting footage.
“Good drivers are good because they are completely focused on the road. If you are on your phone – whether handsfree or not – you are far less likely to notice unexpected things like a child stepping off the pavement.
“This is why officers are always on the lookout for dangerous drivers and in 2023, 479 drivers received fixed penalty notices for using a handheld mobile phone while driving in Warwickshire.”
Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/operation-snap for more information on Operation Snap.