The number of traffic police patrolling UK roads has fallen radically in the past ten years, according to figures revealed by the RAC.

In 2015, 5237 traffic officers were employed by 43 forces across the country – in 2025, the equivalent figure was 4149, a cut of over 20%.

The biggest drop was in traditional traffic units – 3889 now, compared to 5005 in 2015.

Specialist officers working with casualty reduction partnerships have fallen from 186 to 144 over the same time period – these are often police involved in speed camera enforcement programmes.

Although it’s true that the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads has also dropped over the same decade, RAC head of policy Simon Williams pointed to the effect of a visible police presence by the roadside. “The deterrent value of ‘cops in cars’ should not be underestimated,” he said. “We’d very much like to see a return to having more officers on traffic duty.”

At the BMF, chair Jim Freeman said, “This is hardly news in the community, with differing views. The drop is hardly restricted to traffic police. As many riders have discovered when they’ve reported a bike theft , only to get a text message with a crime number and realise that’s going to be the only response they’ll get.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of John F Scott – iStock