The number of traffic officers working for Sussex Police has fallen by 12% during the past four years, new figures show.

There were 159 full-time equivalent officers on traffic duties in March 2010, compared with 139 in March 2014.

However, officers on traffic duties still make up the same percentage of the workforce – 5% – because of a reduction in total police numbers.

Across England and Wales, total numbers of traffic officers dipped by 23% from March 2010 to March 2014 – from 5,635 to 4,356.

The figures were given to Parliament earlier this month by Home Office Minister Mike Penning in answer to a question from Birmingham Labour MP Jack Dromey.

The RAC said the drop made a “mockery of motoring law”.

Its head of external affairs Pete Williams said: “We can introduce all the new rules we want, but those breaking them just will not get caught.

“While cameras are good at catching speeders, offences that relate to general poor behaviour at the wheel still rely on a police officer.”