'Swapping traffic police for cameras has been a deadly cost saving'

Chris Rosamond says the UK's roads are becoming more dangerous due to less police traffic enforcement

Police traffic

Around the age of 12, I was a passenger in a car accident. Two vehicles were written off and, while there were no serious casualties, I vividly recall the panic, consternation and distress of the adults involved. Calm and order were restored only when a police traffic patrol arrived to deftly take charge. Even at such a tender age, I shared the relief that accompanied the reassuring appearance of that Ford Granada ‘jam sandwich’. 

Later on, as a youthful car enthusiast with a budget that stretched only to a series of decrepit old bangers, and then having enjoyed the performance of various exotics as a motoring writer, subsequent encounters with ‘Mr Plod’ may not have been quite so welcome.

But… when those flashing blue lights showed up in my rear-view mirror, it was a fair bet that at least one of the officers on board the patrol car would demonstrate the experience, wisdom and good humour required to resolve the situation appropriately. 

If that meant sending a well intentioned driver (me!) on their way with a timely warning or a word of advice, I knew that I’d been fortunate to have been given a second chance and would be sure to fix the issue or be more careful. That sort of policing is a win for everyone involved, and is the foundation of the respect UK traffic officers have earned from the majority of drivers.

I’m not aware the public ever consented to swapping real policing for enforcement by speed cameras, ANPR systems and ‘citizen cops’ uploading dash-cam footage, but that’s what we’re offered today, while traffic patrols are virtually non-existent. The rush to ditch skills and experience in favour of ‘cost-effective’ measures comes at a heavy price, including a gradual rise in the number of deaths from road traffic collisions in England and Wales – up from 1,541 fatalities in 2013 to 1,624 in 2018. 

It’s time for police forces to take stock of what we’ve lost, and undo damaging cuts to proper roads policing.

Now read on for everything you need to know about speed cameras here...

Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Recommended

“Faster manufacturing can bring a new wave of cheap EVs from Europe’s big players”
Opinion – cheap EV manufacturing
Opinion

“Faster manufacturing can bring a new wave of cheap EVs from Europe’s big players”

The Chinese may yet falter: quicker, more efficient production could see prices of European electric cars fall
19 Oct 2023
‘MP Greg Smith is fighting for motorists instead of against them’
Opinion - Greg Smith
Opinion

‘MP Greg Smith is fighting for motorists instead of against them’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has met many politicians throughout his career, but MP Greg Smith is a little bit different
30 Aug 2023
‘Modern car tech is creating more problems than solutions’
Opinion - car tech
Opinion

‘Modern car tech is creating more problems than solutions’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler isn’t convinced that every 'innovation' is an improvement over good old-fashioned simplicity
23 Aug 2023
'Henrik Fisker is the automotive industry's next leading man'
Opinion - Henrik Fisker
Opinion

'Henrik Fisker is the automotive industry's next leading man'

Mike Rutherford believes that the EV company founder is destined to follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford and John DeLorean
20 Aug 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler holding a speaker developed by Warwick Acoustics
Features

The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio

British firm is planning to shake up the in-car hi-fi world with its audio panels that replace traditional speakers. We sound them out
27 Nov 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023