More resources needed to tackle scourge of dangerous drivers in West Midlands
The chair of the West Midlands Police Federation has said more experienced traffic officers are needed across the region.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
The chair of the West Midlands Police Federation has said more resources are needed to tackle the scourge of dangerous and reckless driving across the region.
In the last 12 months, dozens of people have been killed or seriously injured on the region's roads, leading to renewed calls from leaders and campaigners for urgent action.
Earlier this month, dozens of people joined a road safety protest in Birmingham, close to where a father was killed in February.
31-year-old Hizar Hanif died after an Audi ploughed into his car, and several others, on Soho Road in Handsworth.
The recent spate of road deaths led campaigners and local leaders to write to Justice Minister Alex Chalk, calling for action to tackle dangerous driving.
Among those to sign the letter were mayor Andy Street, the region's cycling and walking commissioner Adam Tranter and Lucy Harrison from RoadPeace West Midlands.
'Not enough experienced officers'
Speaking about the role of policing on the region's roads, Rich Cooke, chair of the West Midlands Police Federation, said: "There simply aren't enough officers to deal with it in a way that allows us to tackle reckless drivers and standards of driving.
"We've gone towards model of enforcement which is based on automation, on speed cameras and ANPR, which of course have their place.
"But there is no substitute for an actual officer who observes the standard of driving, is able to ask the driver questions, and is bale to exercise common sense and discretion. I think that is what we've very much lost.
"Hopefully we're going to get back to a better model, a more local model, but it's a long road. We've got a lot of inexperienced officers, we haven't got enough skilled, experienced officers. I think that's where we need to go."
A raft of measures to tackle dangerous and reckless driving were announced by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner earlier this month.
West Midlands Police said it continues to have a proactive approach, which "involves active patrolling of key areas, enforcing speed limits, and protecting our communities from the hazards of excessive speed and other road-related issues."
It added: "We are conducting regular operations on the roads focusing on offences known as the ‘fatal four’ - speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt .
"We also have an online portal where drivers can submit video footage or dashcam of dangerous driving."