Police ask passengers on double-decker buses to report drivers who are breaking the law

Passengers will soon be able to upload videos to a website which will then be used to prosecute dangerous drivers

A Government initiative claims travelling by bus can have many benefits (Alamy/PA) ((Alamy/PA))

Police have urged passengers on double-decker buses to record and report drivers below who are using their mobile phones at the wheel.

Durham Constabulary has launched an unusual operation to stop drivers from driving dangerously by recruiting bus passengers as informants.

They said commuters and travellers will soon be able to upload videos to a site called Operation Snap portal which will then be used to prosecute dangerous drivers.

As part of the operation, officers will also be deployed on double-decker buses and will record offences using specialist equipment.

These videos could lead to some drivers being hit with a £200 fine and six points on their license.

As part of the operation, officers will also be deployed on double decker buses and will record offences using specialist equipment (Durham Police)

Inspector Kevin Salter, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing unit said: “Be in no doubt, you can kill someone by taking your eyes of the road for just a second.

“It is so easy to get distracted, but we would like to remind drivers that the consequences are real and irreversible.

“None of us want to have to deliver another death message to another family whose loved one has died in a collision which could have been avoided.

“Our message is always clear - Please, put the phone down while driving.”

The force added that there would be QR codes on the bus to help passengers swiftly upload their videos and asked people to make sure the footage clearly shows the number plate of the vehicle concerned.