Police drivers chasing suspects on mopeds will be given greater legal protection under plans announced by Home Secretary Sajid Javid.
This follows the controversy surrounding the tactic of forcing suspects on mopeds and motorcycles off the road by ramming into them using police vehicles.
The Home Office said it is seeking to change the law to ensure that highly trained police drivers are better protected from the risk of lengthy investigation and potential prosecution.
Current laws do not recognise the training that response drivers undertake and the tactics they may use to pursue criminals, with officers held to the same standards as members of the public.
The changes are backed by a public consultation and will make it clear that officers should not be held accountable for the driving of a suspected criminal attempting to avoid arrest, providing the pursuit is justified and proportionate.
A clear message to criminals
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 have been backed by John Apter, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, who said: “We are pleased and reassured by this announcement, which means police officers will be able to spend more time serving their communities rather than facing lengthy court proceedings simply for doing their job.
“Police officers are relied upon to respond to emergency and life-threatening situations.
“Members of the public would expect police officers to use their skills and training to respond to calls for assistance and a much needed change in the law will enable officers to do that without fear of prosecution.”
Earlier this year, the Met Police released figures showing that there has been a steady fall in the use of mopeds, motorcycles and scooters to commit crime.
There were 12,540 offences in the 12 months to January 2019 – a 48.6 percent reduction compared with the previous year.