The AA has urged the Home Secretary to deploy 1,000 new traffic police officers to enhance road safety and address broader criminal activities on roads and within communities.
Labour’s manifesto includes a commitment to hiring thousands of new police officers to combat neighbourhood crime. The AA advocates that 1,000 of these new officers be allocated to the traffic divisions across the nation.
This appeal, part of The AA’s Motoring Manifesto, follows their review of the latest police workforce data from the Home Office. On March 31, 2024, England and Wales had 4,215 traffic officers, a decrease of 1,022 from the peak of 5,237 on March 31, 2016.
The UK Government should appoint 1,000 new roads police officers in order to improve road safety and help tackle wider crime, according to the AA:https://t.co/89mxu7oU6z pic.twitter.com/Bz2cBYuJ6W
— Business Car (@BusinessCar) September 16, 2024
A recent poll of 11,469 drivers revealed that over half (57%) believe the lack of police presence allows careless driving to go unchecked. Additionally, significant portions of drivers think offences like using a handheld phone while driving (44%), drug driving (42%), not wearing seatbelts (46%), and operating dangerous vehicles (43%) often go unpunished due to fewer traffic officers.
While the increased use of technology, such as AI cameras capable of detecting multiple offences beyond speeding, is welcomed, only 15% of drivers feel that cameras alone are sufficient for roads policing. This reinforces the need for more traffic officers.
There is also a significant belief that more traffic officers could help reduce crime beyond road offences. Ninety-one percent believe that additional traffic police would enhance community safety, and 80% think it could reduce crimes like drug dealing, human trafficking, and vehicle theft.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, highlighted public sentiment, stating, “Public opinion suggests that too many people are getting away with driving offences and wider crimes. Increasing the number of police officers is a positive step.
“There needs to be a broader strategy to tackle crime, and having more police on the roads could lead to safer communities and roads. A visible presence acts as a deterrent and signals to criminals that the likelihood of being caught is higher.
“Traffic cops often uncover other crimes, such as stolen goods, during routine stops. While cameras can detect speeding, they cannot intercept drivers under the influence. Investing in traffic officers improves road safety and enhances neighbourhood security.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Fleet News highlights the AA’s call for 1,000 additional traffic officers to enhance road safety and combat crime, citing public concern over unpunished driving offenses. (Read more)
- Birmingham Mail reports on 1,000 new police officers to curb road crimes, emphasizing public dissatisfaction with leniency in traffic offenses and potential safer communities. (Read more)
- Great British Fleet Event highlights the AA’s call for 1,000 more traffic officers to improve road safety and combat wider crime, emphasizing driver confidence and community safety. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is the AA calling for 1,000 new roads police officers?
To improve road safety and tackle wider crime in communities.
What did Labour pledge in their manifesto regarding police officers?
Labour pledged to recruit thousands of new police officers to tackle neighbourhood crime.
How many traffic officers were there in England and Wales as of March 2024?
There were 4,215 traffic officers.
Do people think cameras alone can handle roads policing?
Only 15% of drivers believe roads policing can be carried out by cameras alone.
How do more traffic officers contribute to community safety?
91% believe more traffic officers would make communities safer and reduce crimes like drug dealing and vehicle theft.