Hi-tech help for police (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hi-tech help for police

SWINDON could be the next town to use new hi-tech equipment that helps speed up police investigations at the scene of serious road accidents.

Police in the West Midlands are currently testing the new scanning and recording equipment to survey incident sites and provide plans suitable to use in a police investigation.

It often takes more than six hours to clear a serious accident.

Once any casualties have been taken away, police must then gather evidence.

Only when they have finished can the Highways agency repair any damage to the roads before the route can re-open safely.

Ginny Clarke, chief highway engineer, said: "We know carriageway closures after incidents are frustrating to drivers, but the police must have time for the essential task of gathering evidence at the scene.

"The Highways Agency and the police are now working together to test equipment that can speed up the business of gathering vital evidence s that lanes are re-opened more quickly."

If the trial is successful in the West Midlands the initiative could be rolled out to other areas including Swindon.