What the decline in roads policing means for you

If you feel like other drivers are getting away with more bad behaviour on the roads, you might not be imagining it. The number of specialist roads policing officers in England and Wales has fallen by more than 1,000 in the last decade – a 21% drop since 2015, according to a new analysis by the RAC.

Back in 2015, there were 5,237 officers working in traffic units and safety partnerships. Fast forward to 2025, and that’s down to just 4,149. The number of “cops in cars” – the most visible deterrent against speeding, drink- and drug-driving, and uninsured driving – has fallen even further, by 22%.

There are also now fewer officers running safety camera partnerships, the teams behind speed and red-light cameras, with numbers falling from 186 a decade ago to 144 today.

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RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the decline in roads policing officers “can only be seen as bad for enforcing motoring laws.” He added that drivers are increasingly worried about speeding, drink or drug-driving, using a handheld phone, aggressive behaviour, or unlicensed cars.

Williams also noted that while automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are more common, “fewer officers on the roads reduces the fear of being caught, which may explain why so many law-abiding drivers are concerned about the behaviour of others they share the road with.”

So, what does this mean for you as a driver?

Fewer roads policing officers on UK roads could affect you in several ways.

With fewer police patrols, the chances of reckless drivers being stopped are lower. This means more people may risk speeding, using their phones at the wheels, or driving under the influence.

If uninsured and untaxed drivers are less likely to be caught, the financial risk shifts onto those who do follow the rules. This could push up insurance premiums for law-abiding drivers.

Drivers who pay for tax, MOTs, and insurance may feel increasingly resentful if rule-breakers face little enforcement. It undermines trust that the system is fair.

ANPR and speed cameras are more widespread than ever, but they don’t always replace the deterrent effect of an actual officer in a patrol car. Drivers know cameras can’t spot every kind of dangerous behaviour.

The UK Government is preparing to publish the first road safety strategy in over a decade this autumn. The big question for drivers: will it put more police back on the roads, or double down on tech enforcement? Either way, drivers want reassurance that safety, and fairness, won’t keep sliding.

Williams has called for more officers on traffic duty or new measures to crack down on offenders. The RAC also hopes the road safety strategy will include strong steps to cut casualties and keep everyone safe.

For everyday drivers, fewer roads policing officers could mean more danger, higher costs, and less confidence in road safety. And until stronger measures are in place, staying alert and driving defensively may be important than ever.

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