Avon and Somerset Police have come under scrutiny after admitting that a recent road safety campaign contained misleading statistics. The force claimed that "three out of four" drivers in the Tiverton area regularly exceeded the speed limit, a figure later revealed to be based on selective data.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper condemned the exaggeration, stating that such tactics undermine public trust in law enforcement. "Honesty is paramount in road safety campaigns," he said.
How the Controversy Unfolded
The police force initially defended their claims, arguing that the data—though not representative of all drivers—highlighted a genuine issue. However, following public backlash, they conceded that the figures were not statistically robust.
Public and Political Reaction
Local residents and road safety advocates expressed frustration, with some accusing the police of fearmongering. Meanwhile, opposition MPs have called for greater transparency in how traffic data is presented.
Avon and Somerset Police have since pledged to review their communication strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
