AA warns 1,000 extra police officers 'needed' to make roads safer
With 57 percent of Brits worried too many motorists are getting away with careless driving, the AA has called for 1,000 more traffic police officers.
The AA is calling on the Government to add 1,000 police officers to the UK's road network in a bid to catch criminals behind the wheel.
A study by the popular motoring organisation highlighted that there were 4,215 traffic officers working in England and Wales during March 2024, over 1,000 fewer than there were in March 2016.
Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy at the AA, highlighted that a growth in the number of police officers monitoring the roads could help to keep the roads safer.
He explained: "Be it driving offences or wider crime, public opinion suggests that too many people are simply getting away with it.
"It's clear that the public want to see more bobbies on the beat, so the Government's ambition to increase the number of police officers is welcome."
Whilst a growing number of motorists are concerned about other road users breaking the law, many have stated that they do not support the rise in AI-powered traffic cameras.
Recently rolled out across the UK, these roadside cameras are able to look into vehicles to assess whether the driver is wearing their seatbelt or using an electronic device, such as a smartphone, whilst behind the wheel.
When the cameras were previously trialled in Cornwall, they caught around 300 offending motorists in a space of just three days, meaning thousands more drivers could be caught in the coming weeks.
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However, Jack warned that, whilst these cameras may make motorists think twice about committing some offences, police officers would be able to spot other cases of drivers breaking the law.
He added: "Most traffic cops catch other crimes in the act, such as discovering stolen goods, through routine stops.
"Similarly, a camera can spot the speeding driver, but it can't stop them if they are under the influence of drink or drugs. Investment in traffic officers does more than improve road safety, it produces safer neighbourhoods too."
With the number of police officers patrolling the roads on the decline, a growing number of drivers are concerned that other road users are able to break the law without facing consequences.
According to the AA, who surveyed over 11,000 Brits, 57 percent stated that too many motorists are getting away with careless driving.
A further 40 to 50 percent highlighted that drivers are able to commit offences such as use a mobile phone or drive under the influence of drugs due to the lack of police officers.
