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THE Government is being warned that decreasing numbers of traffic police could lead to more people thinking they can get away with drink or drug driving, or driving an un-roadworthy car.
Figures released by road safety charity Brake show that numbers of traffic police have declined by 11.6% since 2007, six times more than the 1.8% overall cut in police numbers.
In Wales the cuts have been most drastic, down 37% since 2007. Brake is calling for the Government to reverse the cuts in order to save lives.
In a statement, Brake said: “International evidence shows [active] enforcement of traffic laws is highly effective in preventing devastating deaths and injuries by deterring drivers from potentially deadly behaviour.
“There are five deaths and 65 serious injuries on UK roads every day, causing profound suffering to bereaved and injured victims. The estimated annual cost of road casualties to the British economy is £32 billion, due to the impact on those affected and the strain on health and emergency services.
“Many deaths and injuries result from criminal behaviour, and all from man-made and preventable circumstances. Despite this, roads policing is not one of the government’s national policing priorities, which Brake believes leads forces to deprioritise this crucial work.”
Alan Jones, Chairman of the Roads Policing Group, Police Federation England & Wales, said: "I am not surprised at the findings announced in this report. Policing the roads should be a priority for government and Chief Constables: this is nothing less than the public expect.
“As police forces try to deal with a staggering 20% budget cut, their resources and capabilities are being stretched to a point where delivery of service is difficult to sustain.
“We all know the consequences of drivers who fail to heed the rules of the road or drive with complete disregard for others. The cost of cutting back far outweighs the benefits of investing in protecting a key front line service."
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