'Speeding' Guidelines For Cops

A major crackdown on police testing high-speed cars on public roads is being looked at after an officer was cleared of driving at 159mph. The chief constables' organisation, ACPO, is considering issuing guidelines to apply to all forces nationwide. The move follows the trial of Pc Mark Milton from West Mercia Police, who was caught doing 159mph in a cop car on the M54 near Telford, Shrops, at night.

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25th May 2005

However, when Pc Milton appeared at Ludlow Magistrates Court, judge Bruce Morgan found him not guilty of dangerous driving. He said officers with an advanced level driving certificate should be able to familiarise themselves with a car's high-speed handling on the road - which is what PC Milton claimed he had been doing. The verdict caused an outcry, which is why ACPO has intervened.

Commenting on the case, Paul Smith of campaign group Safe Speed said: "If 159mph does not endanger the public, surely this is an admission that driving a few mph over the limit isn't necessarily dangerous, either."

And Kevin Clinton from RoSPA added: "We're shocked that speeds of 159mph are not regarded as dangerous by the court."

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