Government backs change for police driver training

“It is good that Her Majesty’s Government has agreed to this much needed change in legislation to reflect police driver training.”

The public has backed a law change to protect police pursuit drivers. The Home Office said the ‘overwhelming majority’ of respondents to its public consultation supported the plans.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It’s vital police officers feel confident and protected when pursuing suspects on the roads or responding to an emergency.

“It’s also crucial that we send a clear message that criminals – whether in cars or on mopeds – cannot escape arrest simply by driving recklessly.

“These proposed changes will strike the right balance – giving trained officers the confidence they need to fight crime effectively and ensure our roads are safe.”

The plans were welcomed by the Police Federation for England and Wales, which represents more than 119,000 officers up to the rank of chief inspector and has long campaigned for a change to the law.

Chairman John Apter said: “It is good that Her Majesty’s Government has agreed to this much-needed change in legislation to reflect police driver training.

“This is a positive step and something we have long been campaigning for.

“Sadly, it comes too late for many police officers who have been investigated and had their lives turned upside-down, facing lengthy court proceedings for simply doing the job they have been trained to do.

“It is important that when police officers are required to use their training to protect society, they can do so with the confidence that the law is on their side.

“What now needs to happen is meaningful action – we need the Government to be bold, prioritise this issue, find the Parliamentary time to do so, and fulfil its promise to police officers and the public.”

https://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/public-back-law-change-to-protect-police-pursuit-drivers-11364359140207