Operation Snap comes to A443 between Worcester and Hallow

New signs go up on the A443 through Hallow warning drivers that the area has now become part of Operation Snap. 

Drivers and cyclists can submit evidence of careless motorists as part of Operation Snap which could land people a fine or even court date if they are found to be committing an offence.

It allows people to submit digital footage from dashcams and helmet-mounted cameras showing potential traffic offences in the West Mercia region online.

Operation Snap comes to A443 between Worcester and Hallow (Image: Twitter/@goSHIFTscheme)

Dan Brothwell, chair of Bike Worcester, said cyclists face a lot of close passes along Hallow Road. 

The signs hope to improve driving conditions in the area. 

Great to see these Operation Snap signs going up on the A443 between Worcester and Hallow, where a lot of close passes are reported to ⁦@WMerciaRoads⁩, in an attempt to improve driving standards and safety.
⁦@BikeWorcester⁩ ⁦@worcesternews⁩ ⁦@WorcsTravel⁩ pic.twitter.com/XbT65Mh2cg

— SHIFT (@goSHIFTscheme) December 13, 2022

Mr Brothwell, age 47, said: "It's not a hot spot, that would be unfair to say, but there have been a lot of close passes in that area. 

"It would be great if it could be used as a mechanism to promote good drivers."

West Mercia Police received 310 videos claiming to show bad driving in November as part of Operation Snap.

Offences include overtaking on solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving and ignoring traffic lights.

Of the 310 submissions, 139 were issued with penalty notices and there were 118 cases of visits or advice being given by police.

There were also two submissions following crashes while 51 cases saw no further action taken or because they were out of the force area.

The police aim to update anyone who submits footage with the outcome of their allegations.

All submissions are dealt with pro-actively to help reduce risk taking and poor driving on our counties roads.

A similar initiative to Operation Snap, Operation Close Pass is designed to target motorists who ignore the Highway Code rules when overtaking cyclists.

Motorists who do not leave enough space when overtaking will be recorded and the offence dealt with.

The Highway Code states the minimum distance drivers must give a cyclist when passing them in a car is 1.5 metres, and this must be adhered to at all times.

At higher speeds, distances of at least 2 metres are recommended, while the same distances for larger vehicles are recommended at all times.

A failure to give a berth of at least 1.5 metres can result in a criminal sanction of a £100 fine, and may also include points on the driver’s license.