Residents urged to film and spy on drivers breaking low traffic neighbourhood road rules
Low traffic neighbourhoods have been installed around the UK
PA
Homeowners are being asked to report drivers to the police if they are found to be breaking low traffic neighbourhood rules.
Devon County Council unveiled new road blockages earlier this month in Exeter through a trial scheme for low traffic neighbourhoods.
The planters and bollards are used to prevent access by vehicles, with gates used by buses, emergency vehicles and other exempt vehicles.
As with other LTNs, the aim is to divert traffic away from residential areas and reduce emissions.
Operation Snap asks people to submit videos of people breaking road rules
PA
The schemes have been promoted around the UK in a bid to get drivers to ditch their cars and increase the amount they cycle and walk.
Residents and businesses still have access to the affected area, but they are required to use alternative routes.
A Devon County Council spokesperson said: “There are no cameras at the bus gates but flouting the traffic restrictions is enforceable by Devon and Cornwall Police.
“Members of the public can submit video evidence of violations of these and other traffic regulations via Operation Snap.
"Devon County Council will be continuously monitoring compliance with the bus gates during the trial,” they told DevonLive.
As part of Operation Snap, police forces around the UK are asking people to submit images and footage of motorists not adhering to road rules.
This can include footage of dangerous driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel and driving without due care and attention.
If the footage is submitted to the police scheme, the person must be able to provide the registration number of the offending vehicle.
People are also required to sign a witness statement, with the potential for needing to give evidence in court, although the person cooperating must be over 18.
People are told that they should not report certain offences such as windows with tinted glass or number plate issues as the police cannot verify anything from the footage alone.
If the clip clearly shows an offence taking place, the police will consider issuing an advisory letter to the car owner, inviting them to an educational course, issuing a fine or seeking a prosecution.
In cases where the footage is not good enough or no offence is identified, the police will not take any further action.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
New low traffic neighbourhood bollards have been placed in Exeter
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On rare occasions, the police may contact the person who submitted a video and ask them to give further evidence or even attend court.
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