College of Policing and Met Regulations change in policy and DPS contact
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035130
I note you seek access to the following information:
You have already answered the question. The FOI answer you provided was
ANSWER
With regards to the College of Policing – ‘Police Driving’ section, the MPS incorporates this guidance into its Standard Operating Procedures. There are however, slight deviations in respect of the Pursuits heading. In relation to the heading ‘On-Call vehicle use’, this awaits an update.
So as of the date of the request, this was the answer.
Now my guess, and please confirm it one way or another, the Department of Professional Standards has lent on you because they don't want to see lots of police officers fined for breaking the law. When we are talking lots it really is a lot of police officers committing lots of offences.
The reason is I have caught lots of officers parking illegally on double reds to fine people parking on double reds. The initial request was to make sure that basic police drivers MUST follow the highway code. They didn't and broke the law. You had confirmed that in your response.
Second please send the details of the change in policy and when it was enacted, and by whom?
PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE
Following receipt of your request I emailed you, and in part said the following, ‘you have stated ‘please send the details of the change in policy and when it was enacted’. Could you please clarify the policy that you are actually referring to please?’
You replied with ‘The College of policing rules are that basic police officer MUST obey the highway code at all times. When was that changed to they can break the Highway Code?’
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
- - So please confirm that DPS has contacted you with regards to this matter.
I can confirm that when collating and completing the following FOIA: 01/FOI/23/034126 which was supplied to you on 05 December 2023, I did not have contact with the Directorate of Professional Standards. The information was provided after consultation with the Roads and Transport Policing Command.
- - The college of policing rules are that basic police officer MUST obey the highway code at all times. When was that changed to they can break the Highway Code
College of Policing guidelines state that a Basic police driver must drive within the constraints of the Highway Code. However, there are a number of traffic regulations where exemptions are general and are referred to either in the Road Traffic Act or a Traffic Management Order. These exemptions cover for example parking, bus lanes and pedestrian crossings. Some local authorities are responsible for enforcement of these restrictions e.g London councils and Transport for London. Most authorities offer a dispensation from these regulations for vehicles used for Fire, Ambulance and Police purposes.
Please find attached the authorised professional practice for Police driving, which can be found on the College of Policing website: