Police Union urge road law change

The WA Police Union has called for a change to State laws after a Bunbury police officer was convicted of reckless driving last week.

Sen. Const. Shane Clark pleaded not guilty in the Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on July 9 to reckless driving but was convicted and fined $1250 for exceeding the speed limit by 48kmh while providing a police escort for Cold Chisel last year.

Sen. Const. Clark will have to pay costs of $2000 plus his fine and has lost his licence for six months.

The court was told Const. Clark hit 128kmh in an 80kmh zone while escorting the band from Busselton airport to the concert venue at Sandalford Estate on November 26, which coincided with the Margaret River bushfires and leavers celebrations.

A spokeswoman for the Police Commissioner said Sen. Const. Clark would be put on non-operational duties during the licence suspension.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the union was pushing for changes to the Road Traffic Act because it conflicted with police policy.

‘‘This officer was acting reasonably and in accordance with police policy, while doing his job,’’ he said.

‘‘Should this not occur, police officers will be second guessing themselves and may very well refuse to perform certain tasks.

Two police officers involved in the same incident face trial later this year — Sgt Tilbury said the union had called for the Police Commissioner to withdraw the charges.

‘‘As these officers were charged under the Road Traffic Code, they clearly have a defence. Should the Agency elect to pursue these matters, the Union will vigorously defend our members,’’ he said.

SouthWest District Superintendent Lawrence Panaia said WA Police was ‘‘not considering’’ withdrawing the charges against the other officers.

‘‘While the officer was on duty and performing an official function, the court upheld that his driving was reckless at law,’’ he said.

‘‘The officer’s driving also fell outside the WA Police emergency driving policy.’’