§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what actions he is taking to ensure greater consistency among police forces in road policing. [71479]
§ Mr. BoatengIn the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, we provided the means to tackle local road policing issues. In August 1998 we set new overarching aims and objectives for the police. The importance of road policing is emphasised in both the objective of improving road safety and the objective of reducing crime and the fear of crime. In November, in his letter to forces about his new development priorities, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary specifically emphasised the importance of road policing.
The recent thematic inspection of road policing by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary concluded that not enough attention had previously been given to road policing and its recommendations seek the proper integration of the function which would lead to greater consistency of approach across forces.