1. ITV REPORT
 
2. 11 August 2016 at 1:14pm

Police car crashes on the rise in London

The number of crashes involving police cars pursuing vehicles and responding to 999 calls, is increasing in London, figures show.

There were 1,748 collisions in the last year. Credit: PA

Between April 2015 and April 2016 there were 1,748 collisions involving police vehicles - 256 more crashes than in 2013/14.

In 2015/16 there were 498 collisions involving police cars pursuing other vehicles - an increase of 64 crashes on the previous year.

There has been a notable increase of incidents on the previous year. Credit: PA

The new figures, obtained by Conservative London Assembly member Steve O'Connell, come after a series of serious incidents involving police cars in London.

"The safety of both police officers and the general public has to be the highest priority during high-speed pursuits and responses.

"Clearly there is a need for police vehicles to drive at high speeds in emergency situations but it is a worrying trend to see an increase in the number of collisions and one that must be reversed.

"It is vitally important that police pursuits are conducted as safely as possible. I'll be asking the Mayor to look closely at this increase and to assess ways in which the risks can be reduced for all involved."

– STEVE O'CONNELL, CONSERVATIVE LONDON ASSEMBLY

Last updated Thu 11 Aug 2016