Changes to internal police rules and tough new laws to limit high speed pursuits on ACT roads are expected to come into force next month.
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New protocols announced by the ACT government and ACT Policing on Thursday will see police begin pursuits on Canberra's roads only when there is a serious risk to public safety, or if there is a major crime planned or under way involving serious injury or death.
New laws introduced into the Legislative Assembly will give police tougher powers to identify and prosecute drivers who evade police after the fact, as well as the ability to confiscate cars and suspend licenses. Police won't pursue drivers over minor matters, but will instead track individuals and cars when there is less risk.
New offences of failing to stop for police will be added to the road rules, and give police powers to seize a vehicle, enter garages, sheds or other structures on private property, where officers suspect on reasonable grounds the motor vehicle could be located.
Drivers who fail to stop could face maximum penalties of up to 12 months' imprisonment and up to $15,000 in fines, or have their licence suspended and vehicles seized. Repeat offenders face increased maximum penalties of up to three years in jail and $45,000 in fines.
Car owners who fail to identify the driver at the time of an offence also face tough new penalties, but only in the ACT.
The changes follow a significant internal review by ACT Policing last year and come after the deaths of nine people on Canberra's roads since 2004 related to police pursuits. Jurisdictions including Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania have also changed laws and policies to limit the safety risk from police pursuits, including not pursuing drivers over minor matters.
Asked how police would deal with cross-border offenders, Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers said drivers who looked to be fleeing across the border would be targeted by NSW Police to ensure they did not evade prosecution.
"Strong laws aren't enough. That's why I have decided to change ACT Policing's policy," Assistant Commissioner Lammers said.
"Police in the ACT will no longer pursue fleeing drivers if the harm associated with the pursuit outweighs the risk of conducting that pursuit."
He said drivers who fled from police should do so knowing they would be found and prosecuted.
Currently an average of 8.5 pursuits take place each month, mostly connected to minor matters.
Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury said he expected the laws to be approved in the March Assembly sitting period. Police are being trained in the new policy and will adopt the changes as soon as the legislation is passed.
"We are determined to reduce the trauma arising from accidents on our roads," Mr Rattenbury said.
"The government is not giving people a licence to get away with it. It's quite clear that in introducing these additional investigative powers and powers to apprehend and seize vehicles, police will have full capability to track down people ... and ensure they do meet their legal responsibilities."
Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said he was concerned by the changes, which, he said, could leave police "powerless".
"That's sending a very dangerous signal, in my view, with regard to community safety," he said.
Mr Hanson said he would seek advice from experts and consider the detail of changes.
