AA calls for additional traffic officers as numbers fall
The number of traffic officers has fallen by more than 1,000 in a decade, according to figures released by the Home Office.
It found that there are now just 4,143 dedicated traffic officers in the UK, which is six fewer than a year ago but 1,094 fewer than in 2016.
The AA is now calling for numbers be increased by 1,000 after a recent poll found that 55% of motorists say dangerous driving habits go unpunished due to a shortage of traffic police.
The survey revealed that 55% of drivers say middle lane hogging and tailgating regularly go unpunished, while other offences undetected due to a lack of enforcement include not wearing a seatbelt (47%), using a phone while driving (46%), and drug driving (43%).
Meanwhile, 88% think a more visible police presence would improve safety and 79% agree it would lead to a reduction in vehicle theft.
Visible presence
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “Drivers are telling us loud and clear that they want traffic offences to be dealt with, but the continuous fall in traffic police is making it easier for people to get away with it.
“Be it drink or drug driving, driving without insurance or using a defective car, too many people think it is going unpunished. While there is wide acceptance that cameras play an important role in helping to police the roads, drivers are concerned that forces are becoming too reliant on them.
“The public wants to see a proper visible presence on our roads, not just an assumption that a camera will deal with it. We need at least 1,000 more cops in cars to help keep or roads safe, but also tackle wider crime within our communities.”
