Extra driving lessons for police (From This is Hampshire)

Extra driving lessons for police

6:47am Monday 28th January 2008 in News

NEW laws have prompted Hampshire Police to give advanced driver training to more than 550 officers.

Changes to road safety legislation mean now police can contravene the Highway Code only if they take an advanced driver training course.

It means the Hampshire Constabulary will launch a new two-week course in April to equip officers to drive at excess speed, overtake safely and refine urban and rural motoring skills.

Ian Readhead, deputy chief constable, said: "It is very important that more officers are qualified to respond in vehicles to incidents that require immediate attention. I hope that this eases some of the pressure being experienced at the frontline, especially by area car drivers."

The announcement comes as the force prepares to add 60 turbo diesel Ford Focus response cars to its fleet.