Skip advert
Advertisement

Taxman seeks permission to break speed limit

Tax officials could be made exempt from speed limits under new proposals

Taxman seeks permission to break speed limit

The taxman could be given permission to break speed limits like police and ambulance drivers if new proposals get the go-ahead.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is planning to expand the list of emergency services whose employees can drive above the limit. New additions to the list include the secret service, bomb disposal units and vehicles carrying organs for transplant.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has also requested the exemptions for employees. The proposal says that HMRC officers monitor suspects “involved in major organised crime”.

And an HMRC spokeswoman added that the application was made for certain officers to be exempt from the Road Traffic Act “in order to fulfiltheir duties, which include surveillance and arrest”.

However, the proposal document admits that increasing the number of vehicles that have an exemption from speed limits could compromise road safety.

Earlier this month, it was revealed in the House of Commons that a total of 156 people have been killed as a result of accidents caused by police pursuits since 2004.

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond stressed that anyone driving an emergency vehicle would be required to complete specialist training before they are permitted to break speed limits.

He said: “It’s only right that we look at allowing other services whose duties can mean the difference between life and death to exceed the speed limit when responding to emergencies.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024