Helmet cam footage can get cars crushed

Helmet cam footage that shows drivers passing dangerously close to cyclists can now be used get the offending vehicle crushed.

Police in London have warned motorists who drive too close to cyclists that their cars could be confiscated and crushed. Section 59 of the Road Reform Act allows the police to give drivers a warning if they use their vehicle in a manner which causes "alarm, distress or annoyance". If the vehicle is used in an antisocial manner again within 12 months, the law allows police to seize it.

The move by police in the north London borough of Camden to use Section 59 to tackle motorists who drive too close when overtaking a bicycle means helmet cam footage taken by cyclists could be used to help remove dangerous drivers from the road. After an initial warning from police officers, video evidence from a third party would be sufficient to take a driver to court under section 59.

According to Sergeant Nick Clarke, who has introduced the initiative to his Camden Town and Primrose Hill Ward, the threat of having a car crushed is a ‘powerful motivator for people to drive safely’.

A plain clothes officer on a bicycle rides a figure of eight route looking out for drivers using mobile phones or passing dangerously close to cyclists. Other officers waiting along the route stand ready to stop the offenders.

Other police forces around Britain should introduce similar initiatives without delay.

How does the law regard helmet cam footage?

There is no reason why helmet cam footage cannot be admitted as evidence like CCTV is used. It is likely that a witness statement would have to accompany the helmet cam footage and it would have to be downloaded to a CD with a certificate (countersigned by a solicitor) stating that it had not been altered in any way from its original digital format.

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