Northamptonshire Police are asking people to report motorists who are committing offences such as driving without insurance, without having the appropriate documents, dangerous driving or drink driving to a dedicated hotline.

Officers say the Drivewatch hotline was set up in the mid-1990s as part of an ongoing drive to reduce motoring offences, collisions and casualties on the county's roads.

Operations intelligence officer Ian Ellis said: "This is not about telling tales on people, it's about the public's safety.

"Road safety is something we are always working hard to promote and we need to make sure that all motorists act responsibly when on the county's highways and country lanes.

"We are reminding people about the hotline and urging them to use it to report driving offences to us.

"If you witness an offence or know someone who regularly commits offences then get in touch with us.

"We ask people to give us as much detail as possible, including where and when the offence has been committed, a registration number and make and colour of vehicle and any names of offenders.

"This is about making the roads safer for everyone."

Officers from the Operations Department answer the hotline and, when they are otherwise engaged, there is also an answer phone facility which people are encouraged to leave a message on.

The number to call is 0800 174615.

People should avoid ringing the hotline to report vehicle tax offences –these should be directed to the DVLA on 08702 408228.