16 July 2024

WATCH: Hefty fines for more than two dozen drivers on back of expanded online reporting capabilities

| Claire Fenwicke
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dashcam footage of car running a red light

The driver of the blue car copped a $518 fine and accrued three demerit points after dashcam footage of them running a red light was uploaded to the reporting portal. Photo: ACT Policing.

More than 130 online dangerous driving reports have resulted in 25 drivers being issued with fines in the past two months.

ACT Policing expanded its online reporting capability in May to include dangerous driving, letting the community have the chance to upload their dashcam footage of illegal driver behaviour.

Offences captured 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 provided police with the ability to have eyes anywhere, anytime.

“Gone are the days where police needed to be right there to be able to fine drivers for offences they commit on our roads,” he 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.”

In addition to the 25 fines, 35 drivers were issued with cautions or warnings, and six matters are under investigation.

READ ALSO High-vis police campaign targeting intimidatory and antisocial behaviour in Canberra’s city centre

Act Insp Richardson said while it was pleasing so many people had been using the online portal, it was disappointing to see how many motorists were driving poorly each day.

“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,” he said.

“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 use the online form, submitters need to be able to provide video or photographic evidence of the driving offence witnessed when requested by ACT Policing.

They may also be required to provide a formal witness statement to police and attend court as a witness to confirm the information provided in the witness statement.

Many matters can be dealt with by police without proceeding to court.

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