ACT Policing has thanked the Canberran community after clocking up more than 1,400 dangerous driving reports since the expansion of online reporting a year ago.
Last May, ACT Policing began receiving reports of dangerous driving via its website as an expansion of the capability that began with people being able to report property damage in July 2023.
So far this year, 460 dangerous driving online reports have been received, with 272 drivers issued traffic infringement notices, 67 drivers issued cautions, and 49 warnings letters have been sent. Police only issue infringements, cautions or warnings when video footage is supplied as part of the online reporting process.
The top identified driving offences reported to ACT Policing via the portal were:
- Failing to stop at red and yellow lights;
- Driving without due care;
- Improper use of a motor vehicle;
- Failing to give required signal;
- Failing to keep left of double dividing lines;
- Overtaking to left of a vehicle;
- Using an unregistered/suspended vehicle.
Road Policing Detective Acting Inspector Jonathon Turkich said it had been great to see the wide adoption of the capability since it commenced 11 months ago.
“As a community, we have all seen the devastating consequences of reckless driving.”
“Too many drivers are still engaging in dangerous driving. The portal greatly boosts our ability (with community assistance) for police to have eyes anywhere, anytime,” Det A/Insp Turkich said.
To complete the online form, you must be able to provide video or photographic evidence of the driving offence you witnessed when requested by ACT Policing. You may also be required to provide a formal witness statement to police and attend court as a witness to confirm the information provided in your witness statement.
Police will support witnesses through the court process, noting that many matters are dealt with by police without proceeding to court.
The ACT Policing Online Reporting portal will soon be expanded, allowing the community to report thefts and lost property online at a time that is convenient to them. And people will always be able to report these crimes via 131 444 or in person at a police station.
An average of 34 online reports are received each day. This includes reports related to property damage, dangerous driving, historic sexual assaults, petrol drive-offs, Crime Stoppers and Report Cyber ACT.
ACT Policing’s online services portal can be accessed here.
