Scottish Road Deaths Surge as Police Traffic Enforcement Declines

A report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland reveals a significant drop in road policing correlates with rising road fatalities.

The number of road traffic offences recorded in Scotland has fallen by 63% since 2013, coinciding with a rise in road casualties.
Fatalities on Scotland's roads have increased by 26% compared to the previous year, with 155 deaths recorded last year.
Police Scotland's officer numbers have decreased from 17,431 in March 2020 to 16,425 in October 2024, impacting road safety enforcement.
HMICS recommends that Police Scotland review its road policing commitment and address a backlog in specialist training.
The report highlights the need for improved public reporting mechanisms for road traffic offences and suggests legislative changes for escorting abnormal loads.