This is not the way to enforce road safety standards. New Government figures reveal traffic police are offically a dying breed – with some forces slashing patrols by up to 84 per cent.

The Department for Transport survey shows the head count has reduced by nearly 20 per cent across Britain in a decade. Our top five league table reveals that Staffordshire has seen the biggest cut – from 208 traffic officers in 1998, to only 34 now.

A spokeswoman for the force admitted: “Increased use of safety cameras and ANPR systems has let us move away from a traffic department and be more targeted and intelligence-led.”

However, she added: “All Staffordshire police officers are trained to deal with traffic matters.”

We don't think they are trained enough - and you need focussed officers to deal with our roads. Policing by camera does not save lives.

Last update : 10-11-2008 15:26

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