Cumbria Police traffic officer numbers slashed 40%

The number of dedicated police traffic officers in Cumbria has dropped by 40% in the last ten years.

Figures obtained by the Press Association through Freedom of Information requests show a nationwide drop of 30 percent, described as "savage" by Labour's shadow minister for policing and crime.

The AA said the decline could see more drivers getting away with crimes.

A spokesman said:

Responding to the figures, the Home Office said effective road policing is not just dependent on dedicated traffic officers, while the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) pointed out that all officers were able to help traffic specialists.