New driving legislation 'desperately needed' says Federation

9 March 2021

New driving legislation 'desperately needed' says Federation

“We have seen too many police officers across the country investigated for driving offences when it is clear they have done nothing wrong – this new legislation is so desperately needed”

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will be introduced to Parliament today - Chairman Adam Commons gives his view

The Criminal Justice Bill has been many years in the making and I’m very pleased it is bringing in new legislation that is so desperately needed.

Police response drivers have long been held to account testing their standard of driving against that of a member of the public, not taking into consideration the extensive and expert training that they receive to fulfil the role.

We have campaigned for this for years and it will be a huge benefit to my colleagues.

We have seen too many police officers across the Country investigated for driving offences when it is clear they have done nothing wrong. But the law meant there was a gap to pursue them on technicalities, and this will hopefully now be closed.

Similarly our Protect the Protectors campaign successfully saw the creation of the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018 created and the doubling of sentencing from 6 months to one year. We now see this doubled again, and I hope once it is available our Criminal Justice system take note and utilise the power against those people who think it is acceptable to assault my colleagues.

The Bill will also finally enable our Special Constable colleagues to join the Federation and benefit from the expert advice and assistance that we can offer. Specials do an extraordinary job of giving up their time and I know there are many of them eagerly waiting for this announcement. In Leicestershire we have always tried to support our Special’s as much as we can, this will now mean they are treated the same as every member.

Finally this Bill will enshrine the Police Covenant to Law. This is another step forward and I look forward to the Government engaging with us to show how much they truly value us.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/justice-overhaul-to-better-protect-the-public-and-back-our-police