Police ordered not to go faster than 90mph over fears over BMW issues

Police are ordered not to go faster than 90mph even during chases and emergency callouts over fears their high-powered BMW engines will EXPLODE

  • The guidance has been given to 999 motors that have N57 engines in them
  • National Police Chiefs’ Council said there may be an issue with older vehicles
  • Comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, when his BMW caught fire

Police officers responding to emergency callouts have been told to avoid going too fast in some of their BMWs – amid concerns over the older cars.

The guidance has been given to 999 motors that have N57 engines under their bonnets.

Police chiefs have told armed and traffic officers to avoid going over 20mph over the speed limit even in chases.

It has the knock-on effect that if a pursuit is taking place on the motorway, police can only drive a maximum of 90mph.

BMW have reportedly said the issue is only with specialist police vehicles due to the way they are being driven.

It did not respond to a request asking for an explanation, but emergency calls do feature sharper acceleration and braking and longer spells of speed.

The guidance has been given to 999 motors that have N57 engines under their bonnets

It comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, when his BMW caught fire and killed him

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on police driving, Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, said: ‘We are aware there may be an issue with some older vehicles in our fleet and we are taking urgent steps to ensure this is addressed, including offering guidance to forces.

‘Chiefs are working with the National Association of Police Fleet Managers to examine any risks.

‘Our priority at this time is to ensure the safety and the long-term integrity of the equipment our officers use.’

It comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, when his BMW burst into flames in 2020 in Cumbria.

PC Dumphreys had been on a 999 call when the tragedy happened.

A pre-inquest review hearing in May last year was told his car had returned to his force’s vehicle management unit at least four times.

PC Dumphreys was the only occupant of his squad car when it crashed at about 2pm and burst into flames. He died at the scene (pictured)  

They were related to a power failure at 70mph, warning lights appearing on the dashboard and an oil change.

Speaking on the new guidance, a whistleblower told The Sun officers faced the sack if they broke the new speed rules.

They said: ‘We may as well give up the day job.

‘Every second counts in an emergency.

‘It beggars belief that these cars are still in use.’

BMW told The Sun the issue was ‘associated with the particular way’ police operate the vehicles.

It insisted: ‘There is no need for action on any civilian vehicles.’

BMW did not respond to a request for a comment from MailOnline.

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