There are now over 20 per cent fewer road police officers patrolling the streets than a decade ago, according analysis of the latest Home Office data by the RAC. But has this truly made our streets lawless and are the figures telling the whole story? In 2015 there were 5,237 police officers across 43 forces in England and Wales whose primary role was designated as traffic policing – that includes ‘cop in car’ patrols or speed camera enforcement. Well, the Home Office was keen to point out to Auto Express that “primary role” is just that, meaning other officers do also take part in road policing. As usual, more detail on force funding allocations will be set out at the provisional police settlement later this year.”