Adrian Chapmanlaw, a Liberal Democrat local councillor in Bournemouth, England, has released helmet-camera footage showing him confronting drivers he alleges were using their mobile phones while stationary in traffic. The videos, shared on his Dorset Safer Roads Facebook page, depict Chapmanlaw cycling up to cars, knocking on windows, and questioning drivers about their phone usage.
In one instance, Chapmanlaw questions a driver, asking if she was checking Instagram. When she denies it, he states, "I clearly saw it was Instagram." When asked who he is, Chapmanlaw identifies himself as "just a member of the public with a camera" but warns the driver, "you will get six points."
In another video, he stops his bike next to a stationary car to inform the driver that he should not be using his mobile phone. When the driver asks if he is a police officer, Chapmanlaw replies that he is a citizen and tells the driver, "Enjoy your six points."
Chapmanlaw, from Poole, Dorset, stated that he has reported nearly 70 drivers to the police for phone use since October 2023 through Operation Snap, a UK-wide initiative that allows the public to submit evidence of driving offenses. He believes it is important to expose drivers who he feels disregard road safety rules, noting that drivers using phones, even when stationary in traffic or at lights, is a common sight.
However, Chapmanlaw's actions have drawn criticism. Steve Moody, chair of the BCP & Dorset Motorists group, described Chapmanlaw as a "pseudo cop" who acts with perceived authority he does not possess. Moody also raised safety concerns, suggesting it is only a matter of time before Chapmanlaw confronts the wrong person. He argued that while Operation Snap has its place, it is open to abuse by individuals.
Online reactions to the videos have been mixed. Some viewers have accused Chapmanlaw of being a "snitch" and a "snide." User Wayne Nash questioned the effectiveness of stopping traffic, and John Wilding suggested there are better ways to spend one's time than acting as a "two-wheeled sad guy moralising at others."
Conversely, some road users have defended Chapmanlaw. Julien Seguin praised his safety campaign, stating that he regularly witnesses motorists using phones while driving and has stopped confronting them due to consistent abuse. Seguin described the issue as a "plague."
Chapmanlaw has previously faced accusations of deliberately provoking motorists for online content, with past confrontations involving drivers and delivery personnel. He has also been noted for strong reactions to what he perceives as inappropriate parking and driving.