Response drivers ‘vulnerable’ after pursuits

THE Police Federation will continue to remind officers of their “vulnerability” to careless and dangerous driving offences when they pursue suspects – until there is a change in the law.

Current legislation does not offer protection for pursuit drivers. This is contrary to popular belief that blue light driving is covered under Section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006.

The National Federation said it is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to develop a draft legislation change on this issue.

Officers involved in pursuits and response drivers have previously been advised that they should seek legal advice before making statements about incidents, even if told they are only being interviewed as a witness.

That was the advice from experienced Queen’s Counsel Mark Aldred at the Police Federation of England and Wales Roads Policing Conference, as he explained the lack of legislation around exemptions for police drivers.

Tim Rogers, from the PFEW, is leading the proposal to have legislation changed. He told PFEW’s Police magazine: “We have explored what changes could be made, and have gained the backing of everyone we speak to on this matter. We believe this legislation change is possible, and our next step is finding the right parliamentary sponsor to help us get the changes taken to Westminster.”

Officers are trained to a particular standard of driving, which enables them to react and respond appropriately to do their job, said Mr Rogers. “How concerning is it that, even when driving with advanced training, given and licensed by the College of Policing, our officers are still vulnerable to criminal liability, just for trying to keep communities safe? It has to change.

“Officers have a duty to the public, and this includes engaging in pursuits where and when necessary. It is an unfortunate fact that until this change happens, all response and pursuit drives are liable to result in a charge should the facts be reported to CPS. So it would be remiss of us not to remind drivers as to their vulnerability with regard to careless and dangerous driving offences.”

Speaking at the conference in January, Mr Aldred said reform needed to happen. He explained: “If we are going to ask police officers to do a job – we should make sure the law is there to allow them to do that job. Officers who drive or carry firearms do so voluntarily, for jobs that do carry serious risks. I wonder, if they were fully aware of the risks, would they continue?”