Traffic police disappearing from UK roads
Wed, 24 Sept 2025
If you’ve often thought there seem to be fewer traffic police on roads in England and Wales, you’d be right – new research has revealed the number of roads policing officers has plunged 21% in a decade.
Back in 2015, there were 5237 officers working on road and traffic-related duties. Fast-forward to 2025 and there are now just 4149 officers, a 1088-officer reduction.
The analysis of government data by the RAC has found the reduction in the number of dedicated ‘cops in cars’ is even greater. There are now 1116 fewer than there were a decade ago.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams says the 10-year low in police officers dedicated to roads policing can only be seen as bad for the enforcement of motoring laws.
Drivers the RAC surveyed expressed strong concerns about the dangers posed by others on the road breaking traffic laws, whether that’s speeding, drink- or drug-driving, using a handheld mobile phone, driving in an aggressive way or not having tax or insurance.
Automatic number plate recognition cameras have become more commonplace but Williams explains that not seeing as many officers in police cars lessens the fear of being caught breaking the law, which may explain why so many law-abiding drivers are concerned about the behaviour of others they share the road with.
"The deterrent value of ‘cops in cars’ should not be underestimated," says Williams.
Surprisingly, the RAC data also showed a reduction in the number of officers dedicated to safety camera partnerships. These run local speed traps, including mobile speed cameras.
10 years ago, 186 officers were dedicated to what are formally known as ‘casualty reduction partnerships’, but this has now fallen to 144 – a loss of 42 officers.
"We’d very much like to see a return to having more officers on traffic duty," says Williams.
"With the government on the verge of publishing the nation’s first road safety strategy for over a decade, we hope there are plenty of positive measures planned to cut casualties and keep everyone safe on the roads."
