Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 June 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 18 June 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Motor Vehicles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the levels of road accidents involving police response vehicles.

Answer: In responding effectively to emergency situations the police must have due regard to the safety of other road users. We welcome the guidance given in this area by ACPO and have been co-operating with the current inquiry into police related road traffic incidents being carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. We look forward to its report and acting, with the police, on any lessons to be learned. The Home Office Scientific Development Branch is also currently working to enhance police driver training through a project to develop a simulator. This will enable trainees to develop their skills for pursuit and emergency response in realistic scenarios off-road.

Secondary information