Drivers fined for red light offences following dashcam uploads to police
Fifty four drivers have been fined for failing to stop at red lights across Canberra after dash cam footage was provided to police.
In May this year, ACT Policing expanded its online reporting capability to include dangerous driving, providing the community with a new mechanism to report poor driver behaviour.
To date, more than 360 online dangerous driving reports have been received by ACT Policing with 167 drivers issued traffic infringement notices, 66 drivers issued cautions or warnings, and 6 matters continue to be investigated.
ACT Policing has seen drivers not stopping at red lights as the most common offence reported.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel said dashcam footage has provided police with the ability to have eyes anywhere, anytime, and urged drivers to carefully consider this when getting behind the wheel.
“While police are happy to see so many people are already using the online portal, we are very disappointed to see the volume of poor driving behaviour occurring daily.”
“Over half of all collisions in the ACT occur at intersections. Drivers who don’t obey traffic lights and signs can end up with serious injuries or in some cases deceased.”
“Accelerating at a yellow light instead of stopping because you are in a hurry to get home, could end up with you never making it home again. Be patient and pay attention to the traffic controls. Obey the signs and avoid the fines.”
“In the last financial year ACT Road Policing officers issued more than 400 infringement and cautions for ignoring red lights. While Road Policing officers will continue to be out and about in the community, we’re encouraging members of the public to come forward with this kind of dashcam footage.”
Members of the public who capture dash-cam or mobile phone footage of driving offences, including dangerous driving, road rage, careless driving, mobile phone, red light, and seatbelt offences can report these instances via online reporting portal. You may also be required to provide a formal witness statement to police and attend court as a witness to confirm the information provided in your witness statement.
Police will support witnesses through the court process, noting that many matters are dealt with by police without proceeding to court.
Importantly, online reporting of dangerous driving is an additional method of reporting, which will complement existing ACT Policing channels. People can still report these matters to Crime Stoppers, the police assistance line (131 444) or by attending a police station. In an emergency or life-threatening situation, always call Triple Zero (000).
Media note: Broadcast quality video is available for download from Hightail at: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/SLoEK1XkR6
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au