Law change to help police chase down bike muggers who race away
POLICE drivers would receive more protection from suspension and prosecution when pursuing suspects under Government plans unveiled today.
It marks a milestone in the Daily Express Stop The Moped Thugs Menace crusade for new laws to give police more confidence to go after the thugs.
We have highlighted the worry of officers facing punishment for breaking normal traffic laws.
In line with our campaign, the Home Office proposes to change the law on dangerous driving to recognise the special training police get to drive at high speeds and carry out manoeuvres that would be illegal for civilians.
Similar protection could also be offered to police who are responding to dramas such as terrorist alerts.
Ministers also want the law to make clear that suspects are responsible for deciding to drive dangerously, not the pursuing police.
Tim Rogers, roads policing spokesman for the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “It is unacceptable to have officers trained to drive in a way that exposes them to prosecution merely for doing the job the public expect of them.”
He called on ministers to “act quickly to prevent more officers suffering unnecessary and often mendacious prosecutions”.
Mr Rogers added: “It is crucial we protect the people who protect us and give them the confidence to be able to do their jobs and keep the public safe.”
Conservative MP and former police minister Sir Mike Penning said: “Any way we can give more confidence to our police to do the job we expect of them is great news. They are there to keep us safe. Let’s get this done as soon as possible so we can get the thugs off the road.”
Fellow Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, who also backs our crusade, welcomed minsters “finally taking some initiative on the menace of moped crime”.
He said: “I am glad the Daily Express campaign is bringing this issue to light. We must put the safety of the public first, so the Government’s review must ensure this happens.”
Under a new test, officers would have to show tactics such as using their right to run red lights, exceed speed limits or “hard stop” a vehicle by physically making contact.
Police minister Nick Hurd said: “Officers must have the confidence to pursue suspects where it is safe to do so. Criminals should be in no doubt that they will not get away with a crime by simply driving recklessly.”
The consultation, which follows a review, runs until August 13. Parliament would then need to pass legislation to go ahead.
In the past year, the Metropolitan Police reported a record 2,592 “moped enabled offences”.