CHANGES to road policing could cost lives, claims an insider.
As West Yorkshire Police reveal further details about the relocation of Huddersfield’s road policing team to Wakefield, the insider has raised grave concerns about the plans.
The Huddersfield team, currently based in Holmfirth, will move to Carr Gate which is on the side of the M62/M1 interchange near Wakefield along with Wakefield traffic police. Their counterparts from Halifax and Bradford will be based in Bradford. A date for the relocation is yet to be announced by the force.
These moves come as West Yorkshire Police look to save £70m from the budget over two years.
But the insider said: “The road policing team will be based at Carr Gate, so if there’s an accident in Slaithwaite, Holmfirth or Meltham, you can only guess how long it will take the officers to get to the scene, even if there’s a clear run.
“It’s going to also cost a fortune in fuel. The police may also lose the officer’s local knowledge.
“Everyone understands cuts have to be made, but not at the cost of lives.”
The unit will relocate to the Operational Support Division where the firearm and dog units are based.
Michael Downs, Chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “The organisation, following a full review, decided that it’s the most effective and the most efficient way to deploy police officers from Carr Gate.
“The West Yorkshire Police Federation are aware that the full review was taking place and there was full consultation with the Police Federation.”
West Yorkshire Police said yesterday the move will “enhance our service delivery across the county”.
The force spokeswoman added: “It’s important to stress that no police officers have lost their jobs in the review but will be better deployed on a daily basis to areas where they are most needed.
“We will continue to provide a 24/7 cover and will carry out roads policing wherever it is needed including covering the network of motorways in West Yorkshire.”
As part of the new structure, a dedicated Road Crime Team will use the Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) – a system of mobile and fixed cameras which can be used to track criminals using the roads.
The team will also include the Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET) – a team of officers who investigate serious and fatal road traffic collisions.
Chief Superintendent Barry South, who leads West Yorkshire Police’s Operations Support Division, said: “Our intention with the new roads policing department is to create a more efficient and professional service that will serve day to day demands and improve road safety across West Yorkshire.
“We believe this will improve our roads policing service delivery, particularly the vital, caring service we provide for victims and their families, while dealing with those breaking the law on West Yorkshire’s roads either through enforcement or education”.
