Record Numbers of Drivers Reported to Police by Dash Cam Users

The National Dash Cam Safety Portal, operated by dash cam manufacturer Nextbase, has seen a significant increase in video submissions to the police. In the first half of this year alone, nearly 25,000 video clips were sent through the portal.

Over 24,000 video clips were uploaded to the portal, which was established by the British dash cam company Nextbase. This portal was designed to enable users to report fellow drivers for alleged driving offenses.

Launched five years ago, the National Dash Cam Safety Portal allows Nextbase customers and other dash cam users to upload footage of driving behavior they deem unacceptable. These videos are then reported to the police. The portal also conveniently features links to purchase Nextbase’s latest dash cam models.

The scheme has gained popularity among drivers who feel strongly about others’ behavior on the road. As a result, over 135,000 motoring offenses have been submitted to the portal in the last five years. Nextbase also anticipates a 31 percent increase in the number of videos reported to UK police forces via the portal this year.

The number of dash cams on the road is rapidly growing, driven by concerns over ‘cash for crash’ schemes and the widespread availability of the technology. Estimates suggest that around one in six cars on the road are equipped with dash cams, recording not only their own journeys but also the actions of other drivers.

Thousands of cyclists have also started using cameras to capture footage of driving offenses, which they then submit to the police. According to Nextbase, around 70 percent of the videos submitted through the portal lead to further police action. This action can range from warning letters to awareness courses, fixed penalty points, or even a court summons.

This year, drivers in the West Midlands, West Murcia, Northumberland, Surrey, and South Yorkshire have submitted the most reports of alleged offenses. In these five regions alone, 18,000 videos have already been uploaded this year, surpassing the total number of submissions across the entire country just three years ago, in 2021.

Nextbase has also shared other statistics, including the fact that 70 percent of drivers believe all cars should be fitted with dash cams. Additionally, it is estimated that processing video uploads online has saved around 25 years of police time. However, this assumes that police forces would have otherwise followed up on a similar number of incidents reported through traditional means, which may not be entirely realistic.