South Yorkshire’s ‘TV Tim’ Bids Farewell After 30 Years on the Beat
South Yorkshire Police are saying a heartfelt goodbye to PC Tim Scothern, affectionately known as ‘TV Tim’ thanks to his starring role on the hit Traffic Cops documentary. After nearly three decades of service, Tim is hanging up his badge, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, high-profile arrests, and lasting friendships.
From Rookie to Roads Policing Legend
Tim joined South Yorkshire Police in 1992 as a fresh-faced probationary officer. He cut his teeth on the response team at Dinnington Station, Rotherham, before quickly finding his calling as a traffic cop with the Operational Support Unit (OSU).
It was here that ‘TV Tim’ made his name, showcasing his skills on BBC1’s Traffic Cops and Channel 5’s Interceptors. His knack for catching South Yorkshire’s most wanted criminals and making the roads safer became legendary.
Tributes Pour In from Colleagues
“Tim has been an icon to roads policing for decades and will be a sad loss to the team,” said Craig Clifton, Roads Policing Inspector. “Even in his final days, he was hands-on, chasing criminals and producing top-notch intelligence.”
Superintendent Lydia Lynskey added, “Tim’s enthusiasm hasn’t faded one bit. He’s worked tirelessly to disrupt organised crime locally and regionally. We thank him for 30 years of outstanding service and wish him success in everything ahead.”
PC Angela Selous, Tim’s closest colleague and friend, said, “I’ve worked with Tim for 15 years. He’s been one of my best friends—always honest and determined. And if you ever needed a pen when it really mattered, Tim was never your man!”
Off the Beat and Into Motorsport
Tim’s final day on duty was Thursday 5 May 2022. DS Gareth Bryant, his supervisor, recalls, “Growing up watching Tim on TV inspired me to become a police officer. Supervising him has been an honour. His commitment never wavered, even with retirement around the corner.”
Looking ahead, Tim plans to channel his passion into the motorsport industry. South Yorkshire Police thank ‘TV Tim’ for his decades of hard work and wish him the very best for his next chapter.
