The review has also been triggered by the growth of ‘infotainment’ systems in vehicles and mobile phone technology, seen to be potential sources of distraction for drivers. A call for evidence was launched on Monday and recommendations are promised next spring.

Since 2011 the number of motoring offences resulting in a fixed penalty notice, driver retraining or court action for exceeding the speed limit has risen. But the number of recorded offences has fallen in three other areas: for drivers failing to pay attention to traffic signs, directions or pedestrians; for using a handheld mobile phone while behind the wheel; and for failing to wear a seat belt.

The Government acknowledges in its call for evidence that there is ‘public disquiet about levels of enforcement’ and invites ‘new thinking’ around the policing of roads.

The review has been described as ‘long overdue’ by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. “The number of roads police officers has declined considerably, particularly over the past decade,” said the group’s executive director David Davies.

“Those officers remaining often undertake multiple roles and public safety has lost out. Roads policing is vital, not only to save lives but also to disrupt other criminality. There is a strong overlap in these offences and it is remarkable that successive ministers have seemed not to recognise this.”

David went on to say that roads policing is not something to turn to when engineering and education fail. “These interventions only work when delivered together.”
Seat belts are an excellent example of vehicle safety engineering and media campaigns have helped to persuade most drivers and passengers to comply with the law, he added.

“However 31% of people who died in vehicles in the UK in 2018 were not wearing a seat belt. The paltry penalty and sharp cuts in enforcement have almost certainly contributed. Drivers recognise and respond to changes in levels of enforcement.”

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart also welcomed the roads policing review. Its head of policy and research Rebecca Ashton said: “A reduction in dangerous behaviour on our roads can only be gained by driver education and consistent deployment of roads policing, backed up by the best possible intelligence information.

“Making roads policing a Home Office priority and a key performance indicator for chief constables and police commissioners, combined with greater emphasis on driver education, would be the most effective ways to achieve this,” she added.

* Rural roads saw the greatest increase in traffic speeds as vehicle numbers fell during lockdown, according to new research from transport safety consultant Agilysis. It added that the number of motorists travelling at 15mph above the speed limit also increased more on countryside roads than in towns and cities. “Offending behaviour has skyrocketed, especially on rural roads, where previously compliance with the limit has been good,” said lead author Richard Owen.

(Photograph: Swampy167 – Shutterstock)