UK Road Safety in Crisis: Traffic Police Plummet, Dangerous Driving Surges
Alarming trends in UK road safety have emerged, with a significant drop in traffic police officers and a rise in dangerous driving behaviours. The RAC urges a reversal of these trends.
Over the past decade, the number of road traffic officers in England and Wales has plummeted by more than a fifth. In 2015, there were 5,005 dedicated officers, but by March 2023, this had fallen to 3,889. This decline is largely attributed to government austerity measures that led to budget cuts across UK police services.
Meanwhile, dangerous driving habits have surged. A staggering 43% of drivers admit to regularly exceeding the speed limit on 30mph roads, and 44% on motorways. Illegal number plates and cloned registrations are being used to evade detection. Drink-driving offences have averaged nearly 100 per day over the last three years, and dangerous driving convictions have increased by 62% in the last decade. Despite the presence of speed cameras, speeding remains prevalent.
The RAC has called for a reversal of the reduction in traffic officers or the implementation of significant new enforcement measures. However, with bilking (driving away from fuel stations without paying) also on the rise since the pandemic, the challenge to maintain road safety is considerable.
The decline in traffic police officers and the increase in dangerous driving behaviours paint a concerning picture of UK road safety. To tackle this, the RAC urges a reinvestment in traffic policing or the introduction of robust new enforcement measures. With around 40% of stolen vehicles recovered last year, there's a clear need for enhanced vigilance and action.
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