Roads policing in the UK has lost more than 1,000 officers in the past decade, leaving motorists at greater risk as traffic law enforcement crumbles across the country.
The RAC report reveals that 1,040 specialist traffic officers have vanished from British roads since 2014, whilst the number of forces maintaining dedicated roads policing units has dropped from 43 to 33. This dramatic reduction has led to fewer traffic stops and prosecutions for dangerous driving offences including speeding and drink-driving.
Rural communities are bearing the brunt of these cuts, where stretched resources already make traffic policing more challenging. The decline has sparked serious concerns about the police's ability to tackle dangerous drivers effectively, potentially putting law-abiding motorists and pedestrians at increased risk.
The RAC is demanding urgent government action to reverse the trend, calling for increased investment in training and equipment for roads policing officers. The motoring organisation also wants a complete review of funding arrangements to ensure proper resources for traffic enforcement.
"The decline in roads policing is a serious concern for road safety and the ability of police to enforce traffic laws effectively," the RAC said. "We urge the government to take action to address this issue and ensure that roads policing is properly funded."