Traffic Cops Numbers Hit 15-Year Low

Roads-Policing Officer Numbers Drop by Over 1,000 in a Decade

An analysis of Home Office data reveals a sharp drop in the number of officers dedicated to roads policing in England and Wales over the past ten years — a trend some warn could weaken enforcement and road safety.

Key findings

• In 2015, there were 5,237 officers across traffic units and safety-camera teams. By 2025, that number had fallen to 4,149 — a reduction of 1,088 officers, or 21%.
• Focusing just on traffic units / “cops in cars”, numbers shrank from 5,005 in 2015 to 3,889 in 2025. That’s a drop of 1,116 officers (around 22 %).
• Safety camera / casualty reduction partnerships also shrank slightly: from 186 officers in 2015 to 144 in 2025 (a loss of 42).

RAC head of policy Simon Williams expressed concern:

“It’s clear from our analysis that the number of officers dedicated to roads policing is at a 10-year low, which can only be seen as bad for the enforcement of motoring laws.”

He added that drivers surveyed by RAC frequently cite worries about others breaking traffic rules — whether through speeding, drink or drug driving, handheld phone use, or driving without tax or insurance.

Williams also noted that while automated systems like ANPR and speed cameras have become more widespread, “not seeing as many officers in police cars lessens the fear of being caught.” The deterrent value of visible patrols, he argued, must not be underestimated.

He concluded by urging the government to reverse the decline:

“We’d very much like to see a return to having more officers on traffic duty … 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.”

Sources

• Home Office, Police workforce, England and Wales
• RAC