A review of road policing in Scotland has highlighted a concerning trend – a decrease in enforcement activity leading to a rise in serious collisions on Scotland’s roads. The report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) revealed that the total number of people killed or injured on Scotland’s roads has been on the rise for the past four years.
Last year alone, 155 people lost their lives and 1,930 were seriously injured in road incidents in Scotland. Shockingly, fatalities this year have already spiked by 26% compared to the same period last year. The HMICS report emphasized the importance of road policing officers in enforcing laws related to speeding, drink driving, and other offenses to prevent serious collisions.
However, since the establishment of Police Scotland in 2013, there has been a significant 63% decrease in the detection and recording of road traffic offenses. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor, has called for a reassessment of Police Scotland’s commitment to road policing in light of these alarming statistics.
Naylor highlighted the preventable nature of most road deaths and expressed concern over the societal acceptance of these tragedies. He urged Police Scotland to prioritize road policing efforts, especially at a time when road casualties are on the rise. The report commended the dedication of Scotland’s road policing officers but noted that a decline in officer numbers has impacted the effectiveness of road safety measures.
Recent data showed a drop in overall officer numbers, with road policing officers accounting for only 3.5% of the total police force in Scotland. The report also raised concerns about proposed changes to shift patterns for road policing officers, emphasizing the need for adequate training and resources to address road safety issues effectively.
In response to the report, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, acknowledged the need for improvement and stated that efforts are already underway to address the recommendations. She emphasized the importance of ongoing education and enforcement by road policing officers to promote safer road behaviors.
While the challenges facing Police Scotland are significant, prioritizing road policing and investing in training and resources for officers are crucial steps towards reducing road fatalities and serious injuries in Scotland. The report’s recommendations aim to enhance collaboration with criminal justice partners, explore innovative enforcement measures, and improve overall road safety strategies to achieve the objectives of the Road Safety Framework to 2030.
