Massive increase in Scottish road fatalities as police watchdog issues warning

**Massive Increase in Scottish Road Fatalities as Police Watchdog Issues Warning**

A recent report has revealed a significant 26 per cent increase in road fatalities across Scotland, prompting a warning from the police watchdog. According to the report published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), the total number of people killed or injured on Scotland’s roads has been on the rise for the past four years. Last year, 155 individuals lost their lives, and 1,930 others were seriously injured on Scottish roads. Shockingly, fatalities this year have already increased by 26 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The HMICS report highlights the importance of road policing officers in enforcing traffic laws to reduce serious collisions. However, since the establishment of Police Scotland in 2013, there has been a concerning 63 per cent decrease in the detection and recording of road traffic offences. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor, has urged Police Scotland to reassess its commitment to road policing, emphasising the preventable nature of most road traffic fatalities.

The HMICS report, titled “A Thematic Inspection of Road Policing in Scotland”, commended the dedication and professionalism of Scotland’s road policing officers. It acknowledged Police Scotland’s sound leadership and governance structure in road policing but identified a decline in officer numbers as a hindrance to achieving road safety objectives. Officer numbers have decreased from 17,431 in March 2020 to 16,425 in October this year, with road policing officers comprising just 3.5 per cent of the total police officer count in Scotland.

The report’s recommendations for improvement include engaging with criminal justice partners to explore alternatives to officers attending court, collaborating with the Scottish Government on legislative changes for escorting abnormal loads, and reviewing policy, training, and equipment for local policing officers responding to road incidents. Furthermore, urgent steps are advised to address training backlogs and to facilitate public reporting of road traffic offences.

In response to the report, IAM RoadSmart road safety manager Stewart Mackie emphasised the crucial role of effective enforcement in preventing road traffic offences. He noted the impact of funding cuts on road police and specialist areas, calling for a review of enforcement procedures to enhance road safety. Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, affirmed ongoing efforts to implement report recommendations and outlined plans to establish a sustainable model for road policing.

The report serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures in Scotland to curb the rising toll of road fatalities and serious injuries. Immediate action is required to address the challenges highlighted and prioritise road policing to ensure the safety of all road users.

**Summary:** The article discusses a recent report by the HMICS revealing a significant increase in road fatalities in Scotland. It highlights the challenges faced by Police Scotland in road policing and calls for urgent action to address the rising number of casualties. The report’s recommendations and stakeholders’ responses underscore the critical need for enhanced road safety measures to prevent further tragedies on Scottish roads.