Car crash compensation news
18/03/2009
Black boxes for police in Nottinghamshire

Police in Nottinghamshire hope that the introduction of black boxes will reduce the amount of car crash compensation paid for accidents involving police vehicles.

It is also hoped that the black boxes, similar to the technology used in commercial airliners, will help no win, no fee solicitors settle police car crash compensation claims more expediently, as it should enable investigators to more accurately establish the facts of an accident.

Sergeant Paul Hancock, the policeman overseeing the black box introduction, commented, "It will make crash investigations shorter as information such as vehicle speed will be more easily available.

"Other forces have found that using the recorders brought the number of accidents and collisions involving their vehicles down 20 to 25%."

A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire Police Authority added his endorsement for the project, "This is a very good idea as it will tighten up our officers' driving, knowing that it's being monitored.

"A few years back the force had a horrendous record on accidents. It's getting much better now. I think this will also provide important information and reassurance to the courts."

Experts have speculated, with London's Metropolitan Police already expressing interest, that other policing authorities looking to reduce their car crash compensation bills could soon embrace the technology.