MOTORISTS who capture footage of dangerous incidents on Dorset's roads are being encouraged to 'shop a driver' to police.

Dorset Police's website now has a function which allows drivers to upload dashcam footage and other video to the force.

The initiative – Operation Snap – has been backed by the Department for Transport.

Those who have video can submit it to traffic officers via a 'secure online portal', police say.

The Daily Echo has been photographing drivers seen on their hand-held mobile phones for several years as part of an ongoing safety campaign.

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, head of roads policing, said: "We have been receiving complaints from members of the public about dangerous and anti-social driving for some time, and there is a significant demand for a facility such as Operation Snap.

“It allows us to effectively deal with digital footage and photos of traffic offences in a safe and secure way, while making the investigation process simple and straightforward for the police and members of the public.

"Dorset Police has a determined and robust approach to policing the road network in our force area and will take every opportunity to make them safer for everyone.

“Operation Snap is just such an opportunity, as it increases the likelihood of the dangerous, careless or inconsiderate driver being caught.

"Driver education or penalties applied because of evidence submitted to Operation Snap helps to modify driver behaviour."

Those who wish to submit footage should 'read fully' the extensive question and answer section before uploading digital material, and also to remember the following:

• The secure form is for traffic offences. It is not for submitting footage of road traffic collisions or any other offences, or for parking issues.

• They must be able to provide the registration number of the offending vehicle.

• They should be prepared to sign a witness statement and possibly give evidence in court.

• Statements for Operation Snap can only be accepted from persons aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 the incident should be reported by email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “I’m very pleased there has been a sustained drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads over the last seven years and I hope this system will provide yet another tool to help us continue to make our roads even safer, by empowering responsible motorists to help the police take dangerous drivers off the road.”