Dashcam footage of bad driving has resulted in more than $850,000 worth of fines. Photo: ACT Policing/Screenshot.
Running red lights, negligent driving, and failing to indicate are among Canberra’s most common driving sins – and your fellow motorists are catching it all on camera.
Since ACT Policing launched its digital portal allowing drivers to upload dash-cam footage directly to authorities, local roads have essentially become self-policing. In the past year alone, community-submitted clips have led to 1934 traffic infringement notices, hitting bad drivers with more than $850,000 in fines.
According to police, the most common infringements identified are traffic light offences, including failing to stop for red lights, driving without due care, negligent driving, failing to give way and failing to indicate correctly.
Since launching the driving portal, police have received more than 4300 submissions.
ACT Policing Officer in Charge of Road Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel said public reports were helping to keep Canberra roads safe.
“The increase in submissions, from 1600 in the first year to 2700 in the second, shows that the community knows this behaviour is unacceptable, and they’re holding their fellow drivers to account,” he said.
“Some of the submissions capture driving behaviour that is quite concerning and while police can’t be everywhere all the time, the portal means any car on the road could be the one that catches you out. If you don’t want a fine, follow the road rules.”
The driving portal can be accessed online. To make a report, motorists need to submit their recording and their details.
Driving offences can also be reported in person at a police station, by calling the police assistance line on 131 444, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).