RAC figures on the the number of full-time roads policing officers in England and Wales

The number of full-time roads policing officers in England and Wales has fallen by 27% since 2010, according to data published by the RAC.

Figures supplied to the RAC in answer to a parliamentary question show there were 3,901 dedicated roads policing officers (excluding London) in 2015, 1,437 fewer than in 2010.

The RAC figures also show a year-on-year decrease; 30 out of 42 forces recorded a fall in the number of roads policing officers between 2014 and 2015, collectively accounting for 352 fewer officers.

West Yorkshire saw the biggest reduction of 91 officers while Avon and Somerset witnessed the next biggest fall (34 fewer officers, a 35% drop).

Just twelve forces reported increases in dedicated roads policing officers year-on-year, totalling 162 more officers, Essex claimed a near-doubling of officers (up 72 to 148 officers), while Devon and Cornwall reported 31 more officers (up from 57).