Rise in UK deaths linked to decline in traffic police numbers

A surge in fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads has been attributed to reductions in the number of traffic enforcement officers. According to data, there was a 1% increase in overall mortality and a 4% increase in the total number of fatalities and serious injuries in the year ending in September.

According to the UK Police Federation, senior officers are no longer equipped with a “vital deterrent” in the fight against reckless drivers as a result of the merger of traffic units and the reduction in the number of specifically trained traffic officers, which has increased the frequency of accidents.

PACTS, a UK member of ETSC, also cited the government’s inability to set new goals for road safety. “There is unquestionably a link between visible police enforcement and reducing accidents,” stated executive director David Davies. Regarding their action plan, the government has reached its breaking point. Despite two decades of progress and sharp declines in traffic fatalities between 2021 and 2023, they eliminated the road safety targets. A fresh plan is required.