Opposition Police Spokesperson Brian Neeson has raised concerns about Police pursuits after an innocent woman was killed following a car chase in Whanganui yesterday.

"It is unacceptable that innocent motorists are becoming victims car chases between Police and suspects. I have concerns about the training that Police receive to drive defensively, keep control of their vehicle while in pursuit and when to back off from the pursuit because the lives of others are being put at risk.

"I have raised this matter in written parliamentary questions to the Police Minister and I am concerned about the number of police accidents in motor vehicles. 497 Police cars were involved in accidents last year, 18 of those had to be written off.

"This is a very serious matter that is costing New Zealander's lives. Current Police driver training is not adequate for the sorts of high-speed car chases we saw in Whanganui yesterday. I call on Mr Hawkins to ensure our Police are adequately trained and appropriate protocols are in place to deal with high-speed car chases.

"If innocent people are going to be killed while suspects are being chased it's too high a cost," Mr Neeson said.

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Inquiries: Brian Neeson 04 471 9507

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