Some 1,700 people die on UK roads each year—more than twice the number of deaths from homicides and terrorism combined. A further 25,000+ people are seriously injured. This comes against the backdrop of a downward trend in roads policing which has dual benefits of tackling crime and safety.
For the first time, the Home Office has included roads policing in its Strategic Policing Requirement, published 20th February. This high-level government document sets priorities that all police forces must address. It now recognises the importance of roads policing in disrupting crime and preventing harm.
PACTS urges the Home Office and Police & Crime Commissioners to swiftly develop plans to implement this strategic requirement and make our roads safer.
PACTS full press release can be accessed here.
PACTS published a report in June 2020 – ‘‘Roads policing and its contribution to road safety’, This report investigates links between roads policing, compliance with traffic laws and road casualties. It summarises the policy and responsibility framework for policing in the UK and identifies trends in enforcement, compliance and casualties relating to the “fatal four” offences (speeding, drink and drug driving, non-wearing of seat belts and mobile phone use). It summarises the evidence on the effectiveness of general and specific enforcement techniques; and it identifies opportunities to improve roads policing and road safety. Full report can be accessed here.
