Cuts to officer numbers are having a direct impact on the safety of Scotland’s roads, a damning new report has concluded.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICS) said there has been a reduction in police activity targeting the most common causes of fatal crashes, such as speeding and drink or drug driving.
The number of people killed or injured on Scotland’s roads has increased every year since 2020, with fatalities already 26 per cent higher than they were at the same time last year.
But there has been a 63 per cent drop in the number of road traffic offences being detected and recorded since 2013, with HMICS pointing to the significant drop in cop numbers in recent years.
As numbers reduce, so does the visibility of both specialist road and local policing officers dealing with road safety and road crime.
The HMICS report states: “This reduction in visibility will inevitably lead to a reduction in the public’s fear of being caught, which in turn, is likely to lead to an increase in the type of activity and driver behaviour that leads to serious and fatal road collisions.”
The inspectorate praised the dedication and professionalism of officers and urged Police Scotland to review its commitment to road policing.
In response, the force said it is committed to a “sustainable model for road policing”.
Road policing officers currently make up 3.5 per cent of police officer numbers in Scotland.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor, said: “It has now sadly become an all too regular occurrence to read about another death on Scotland’s roads.
“It appears there is a societal acceptance around such tragedies, but it is utterly unacceptable and almost every death is preventable.
“The recent increases in road casualties are complex, and there is no single factor that has caused this trend.
“However, we are concerned that, at a time when casualties are increasing, Police Scotland has decreased, rather than increased, its enforcement activity in this high-priority area.”
“We are concerned that, at a time when casualties are increasing, Police Scotland has decreased, rather than increased, its enforcement activity in this high-priority area”
HMICS inspectors said they were aware of a recent proposal by senior management within Police Scotland’s road policing division to change the shift pattern of its officers because of reduced staffing levels.
It said the move – currently on hold – would see road policing officers focus on day and late shifts only, rather than attempt to fulfil a 24-hours-a-day staffing model.
The report states: “Given the importance of detecting and disrupting criminals who use the roads, we consider that any review of road policing by Police Scotland should consider its ability to properly resource and police – on a 24/7 basis – the road and motorway networks that connect major cities, towns, airports and ports across Scotland.”
HMICS also called for urgent steps to be taken to address a backlog in specialist training for road policing officers and in advanced driver training for other officers.
Earlier this year, 1919 revealed there was an 11-year backlog in advanced driver training for cops working in armed, road and surveillance policing.
Brian Jones, vice chair of the Scottish Police Federation, told 1919: “Since the creation of Police Scotland, we have seen the constant erosion of standards and resources in road policing.
“Historically, we were the envy of Europe and, some would say, the rest of the world.
“Today despite the best efforts of our members, we see a road policing department which is a shadow of its former self.
“The report brings no surprises to me as a former road policing officer with almost 17 years’ service, who unfortunately has dealt with and managed too many fatal collisions that I wish to remember.”
Thirteen recommendations for improvement have been issued to Police Scotland, including that it should explore ways of officers spending less time attending court.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of road policing, said: “We are grateful to HMICS and are already working to meet some of the recommendations.
“Road policing officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement. It is encouraging to see our work with road safety partners to embed crucial behaviour change recognised in this report.
“The Chief Constable has been clear policing must evolve to meet demand, with a focus on enabling frontline officers and staff to deliver for communities.
“As part of this, we have outlined that we will identify and implement a sustainable model for road policing.”
“If we use the technology right and in an efficient way, then you will see justice earlier and be reassured that perpetrators will feel the full weight of the justice system”