Operation Snap - guidance from West Mercia Police and Bike Worcester

WHAT CAN BIKE WORCESTER DO TO HELP WEST MERCIA?

If you have footage of dangerous driving, then submit the footage. It is our best tool to improve safety on our roads.Please submit the footage within a couple of days of the incident if possible, as there is a window for a NIP to be sent out within 14 days of the incident. Warning letters can be sent out after this period, but preference is to deal with it ASAP.

Length of footage

20 second clip is plenty, this is more than enough footage to evidence a close pass, and suits them as it saves time downloading and reviewing the video.  If you can't edit the footage, put in your statement at what point in the video the incident occurs so the officer doesn’t have to waste time watching the whole thing. Remember to keep your video!

Type of camera

No preferences, but some offer better image quality. Handlebar mounts are easier to take close pass measurements. Mount should be central on handlebars or on the right.

Pass pixi

West Mercia Police are aware of Pass Pixi signs as a result of social media and think they're effective and are supportive of their use. Bike Worcester have purchased some of these for their members. 

SUGGESTIONS AND NOTES FROM BIKE WORCESTER

Location via map entry

When doing a submission the location of the incident is described in words. We suggested an addition so a pin could be dropped on a map, which then provides more information which can be shared with all incidents available shown on a map. Again this feedback will be forwarded to Nextbase.  You can share your own close pass location data with Bike Worcester. Bike Worcester will use this data in discussions with Councillors and Officers.

Sharing data with local authority

Submission data is currently not shared with the LA. We would like for this data to be shared, particularly when specific issues of road safety (close passes, etc) might be being discussed.

Signage on hotspots

Signage is suggested by West Mercia Police based on incident reports. The locations of additional signs have to be approved by the Council. If there is a particularly bad stretch, and you have evidence, get in touch with your elected representatives and you local SNT. Let Bike Worcester know if you would like support.

Feedback to submitters

West Mercia attempt to provide feedback to everyone who submits. We suggested it's particularly important for people submitting for the first time. Obviously processing the offences comes before feedback, so during the summer there may be a few that don’t receive feedback. Be assured they are all dealt with.

Map of all incidents

This is not available, but they will consider compiling the data, as it may identify hotspots.

20's plenty

West Mercia will support new 20 mph zones but won't specifically enforce (no different to any other road), instead would expect road layout to be engineered to assist in reducing vehicle speeds with traffic calming measures installed if required. 

Statistics

Following our meeting last year West Mercia now keep separate statistics for Close Passes. The proportions of offences varies throughout the year, with more submissions from bikes in the summer months. Rough statistics for June were:

• 400 submissions (this is about the limit that they can deal with at the moment)
• 50% notice of intended prosecution (NIP) - can be points, fine or training course
• 30-40% warning letters - only for first offence; a 2nd close pass would be an NIP
• 10% no further action (NFA) - an example is a submission of someone being seen on an electric scooter going past a Ring doorbell. About 45% were submitted by bikes in June.

OTHER ACTION BY WEST MERICA

WM will prosecute a vehicle for crossing solid white lines during an overtake, jumping red lights, passing on the wrong side of refuges, stopping in an advanced stop area for bikes, use of phone, illegal / dangerous parking. Anything that is illegal and / or dangerous will be considered. If the number plate is difficult to read on the original footage West Mercia have software tools to enhance the image, or they will use the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system to identify the likely vehicle and compare it with the footage.

AOB

West Mercia are planning meetings with local business groups called Driving for Better Business, to encourage better driving.