Traffic chaos after police car collides with truck in Brighton

Witnesses said they saw the marked traffic vehicle crash into the side of a lorry in Old Steine, Brighton.

The road had to be closed, but Sussex Police said no one was injured in the accident, which occurred at around 8.45am.

The damaged car on the loading area of ​​a flatbed truck (Image: The Argus)

A passerby said: “He was driving fast and only turned on his siren at the intersection. They must have simply missed the truck.”

The truck was apparently crossing St. James's Street when the traffic light was green when the collision occurred.

At its peak, ten police vehicles and a fire engine were on site to deal with the large crowds curious to know what had happened.

What happens to police drivers who are involved in an accident?

Accidents involving police vehicles are not treated any differently than accidents involving private individuals.

Sussex Police's vehicle incident guidelines set out what must happen at the scene of an accident.

Officers will be tested for drug and alcohol abuse and their driving license will be checked. An investigation will be launched and the appropriate police personnel will decide if there will be any consequences for the driver.

During this investigation, the driver may be temporarily disqualified from driving police vehicles or may be prohibited from assisting in incidents.

How it happened: A police car crashes into the side of a truck, leading to the closure of a main road

The document states: “Police drivers have a duty to ensure that their driving standards are consistent with their training and police guidelines and that they set a good example for other road users. However, there may be instances where a police driver's behaviour or decision-making falls short of police expectations.”

Buses were diverted along the seafront and stops at Old Steine ​​and St James's Street were closed off by a cordon that was extended several times as the amount of diesel fuel spilled by the accident grew.

Firefighters used absorbent towels, hoses and an inflatable dam to prevent water from entering nearby drains.

Both vehicles were transported away on the back of trucks. The front of the police car was significantly damaged and the truck's fuel tank had a hole in it.

The diesel trail in the Old Steine ​​is soaked up with a cloth (Image: The Argus)

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “At around 8.45am this morning a police car and a lorry were involved in a collision on St James's Street, Brighton.”

“While the vehicles are being recovered, rescue workers are still on site and the road is temporarily closed in both directions.

“No injuries were reported.”