PCC funds free signal-blocking pouches to tackle car theft and boost road safety.

Police in County Durham and Darlington are to give away free pouches to motorists to help prevent mobile phone distractions at the wheel and tackle car theft thanks to funding by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC has invested £1,000 into Faraday Pouches. The pouches work by containing electromagnetic signals from phones to prevent motorists being distracted at the wheel. They can also help protect against rising keyless entry car theft, reducing the chance of the vehicle’s signal being amplified and replicated by an electronic tool used by thieves to unlock the vehicle.  

The funding comes as the force launched a new crackdown on drivers who use their mobile phones at the wheel or refuse to wear seatbelts.

Operation Top Deck, which has been rolled out as part of the wider Operation Snap initiative, sees police officers riding buses to catch motorists in the act.

The force is also encouraging bus passengers themselves to share any journey footage they take of drivers flouting the laws. The footage, which should clearly show the number plate of the vehicle concerned, can be uploaded on to the Operation Snap portal to support the prosecution of illegal drivers. New stickers containing QR codes to help bus passengers send their footage swiftly will be installed on buses in the coming weeks.

The initiative has started with help from Arriva who have allowed officers to ride the buses and are also the first to display the stickers in their vehicles. This will be rolled out across buses across the patch.

The PCC has prioritised Safer Roads in her Police and Crime Plan, pledging to crackdown on the areas that cause the highest risk of harm (mobile phones, drink/drug driving, speeding and seatbelts).

Commissioner Allen said: “Road safety is a top priority for the public and we receive regular complaints – and footage – of motorists using their mobile phones at the wheel. Clearly, the message is still not getting across and more work is needed to keep these drivers – and other road users – safe.

“Our approach balances prevention with robust enforcement. The funding I have invested in the Faraday Pouches will help drivers to remain alert and focused at the wheel, and will remove the potential for distraction. It will also help to deter car thieves. However, the force will continue to come down hard on those drivers who continue to think themselves above the law.”

Inspector Kevin Salter, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “This excellent new initiative empowers those using a bus to help identify dangerous drivers who continue to disregard the law.

“As a bus passenger, you have a unique vantage point to observe the driver and spot those on their mobile phones. With this initiative, bus passengers can take action – if you witness someone using a mobile phone, capture it on video and scan the prominently displayed QR code on buses. We will then review the footage and take appropriate action.

“Our goal is for motorists to stop using their mobile phones at the wheel and reduce collisions on our roads and we value the public’s assistance in helping us achieve this.”

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