Our officers commit offences every time they chase criminals

would, of course, be scrutinised.

“It’s about recognising the different demands and training involved in emergency/pursuit driving, not about exempting emergency services drivers from exercising proper control of their vehicles.”

Mr Wetton argued that, under current law, officers could be prosecuted for simply doing their job. He said it “cannot be right that emergency services risk prosecution at work for doing what the public expect”. Derbyshire Police Federation represents all officers of rank up to and including chief inspector.

Mr Wetton said: “This is about protecting emergency services staff, not just police officers but also paramedics and fire service colleagues, from unfair dangerous driving law. We are hopeful that legislation will be passed in the near future to provide this protection. “At the moment, the Federation has stopped short of advising police officers to not pursue criminals, but we are continuing to advise them of the risks they face.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We recognise the difficult job that police drivers do every day to keep road users and the wider public safe. That is why we have worked closely with the Police Federation, other Government departments, road users and road safety advocates to review the law, guidance, and processes surrounding police pursuits.”

Officers chasing criminals on the roads should not be judged by the standards of the average driver.

Tony Wetton