‘Extra Eyes’ submissions continue to rise

Essex Police received 374 ‘Extra Eyes’ submissions in March 2019 – a year-on-year rise of 128% – and took action in 108 cases.

Launched in December 2017, Extra Eyes encourages road users to submit footage showing dangerous road user behaviour, in a bid to reduce crashes and save lives on roads across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

The Extra Eyes webpage provides a simple method for cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers to upload footage showing dangerous or illegal behaviour.

Having reviewed the footage, where appropriate Essex Police contact the person caught on camera and explain the potential consequences of their actions. Alternatively, the offender may be offered a driver retraining course, or in serious cases face prosecution with the footage used as evidence.

On the 108 cases where action was taken during March 2019, more than half (62) were in response to instances of careless driving.

15 close pass drivers were identified by the footage – and three drivers were caught using their mobile phone at the wheel.

Of the submissions where no action was taken, the reasons included no video being attached to the submission and no vehicle registration plate showing in the video. As a result, SERP is asking people to check the full guidance before uploading a video.

The 374 submissions submitted in March means there was a total of 861 submissions during the first quarter of 2019.

10 April 2019