Drivers fined following dashcam uploads to police

Twenty-five drivers have been fined as a result of dashcam footage uploaded to ACT Policing’s online reporting portal since the program began in May.

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.

Importantly, this new functionality allows people to upload digital imagery illegal driving behaviour.

To date, 132 online dangerous driving reports have been received by ACT Policing with 25 drivers issued traffic infringement notices, 35 drivers issued cautions or warnings and six matters continue to be investigated.

Offences include not stopping at red lights, not giving way, tailgating, mobile phone offences, and careless driving.

Officer in Charge of Road Policing Acting Inspector Mark Richardson 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.

“Gone are the days where police need to be right there to be able to fine drivers for offences they commit on our roads,” Acting Inspector Richardson said.

“By using modern technology, and public support to send in footage of driving offences they observe on our roads, police are now able to utilise this footage to ensure drivers are held to account at all times.

“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.

“This serves as a reminder to those people who choose to put other drivers at risk through your actions, just because you can’t see police in sight - it does not mean that we can’t see you.

“We would also once again encourage members of the public to come forward with this kind of dashcam footage. Police will continue to investigate all matters of dangerous driving that are reported to us.”

To complete the online form, you must be able to provide video or photographic evidence of the driving offence you witnessed when requested by ACT Policing. 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.

ACT Policing’s online services portal can be accessed here.

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