Taxman seeks legal right to speed

27 November 2012 Last updated at 17:32 GMT By Kayte Rath Political reporter, BBC News The government wants "rigorous" emergency vehicle training HM Revenue and Customs has asked to be on a revised list of emergency services allowed to break the legal speed limit.

HMRC wants the powers for covert surveillance of organised crime.

The request was revealed as the Department for Transport consults on allowing speed limit exemptions to be extended to services beyond the police, fire and ambulance services.

These would include bomb disposal units, vehicles carrying organs for transplant and coastguard vehicles.

Ministers said it was right revise the rules for those whose work "can mean the difference between life and death".

The proposals would see the law changed to require emergency drivers to complete high-speed training before they are able to drive over the speed limit.

There is also a proposal to exempt paramedics and other medical personnel from having to wear seatbelts in the back of ambulances, particularly when providing emergency treatment on the move.

While emergency service drivers are not exempt from the offences of dangerous and careless driving, the current legislation allows drivers in some circumstances to break speed limits legally, as well as exempting them from certain traffic regulations.

The government wants more vehicles to be able to drive above the speed limit where lives are at risk.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: "Police, fire and ambulance service drivers are highly trained individuals who are at times required to exceed the speed limit in order to save lives.

"It is only right that we look at allowing other services whose duties can mean the difference between life and death to exceed the speed limit when responding to emergencies.

"It is also time to look at the legal requirements of emergency vehicle training so we can build on the rigorous standards the police, fire and ambulance services have already applied through their code of practice."

Organisations who have already requested a speed limit exemption - as well as HM Revenue and Customs - are the security services for vehicles that are involved in covert surveillance, Civil Aviation Fire and Rescue and Mountain Rescue.

Others that could be allowed to break the speed limit include Forestry Commission vehicles involved in fire fighting, the Coal Authority as part of mine rescue efforts and the Blood Transfusion Service.

The consultation closes on 27 February 2013.

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Inquest adjourned on Gary Speed

29 November 2011 Last updated at 15:33 GMT Tributes left at Leeds, one of Gary Speed's former clubs An inquest on Wales football manager Gary Speed has been told that his wife found him hanged at home.

The hearing was adjourned in Warrington, Cheshire, following the post-mortem examination on Speed, 42.

The inquest was told that Louise Speed found the body just before 7am on Sunday and called the ambulance service, but police are not treating the death as suspicious.

The inquest on the ex-Premier League player was adjourned to 30 January.

The hearing was also told that reports are being awaited from the pathologist.

Earlier, politicians in the Welsh assembly observed a minute's silence in his honour after the discovery of his body on Sunday stunned Wales and the sporting world.

A tribute will also be staged before Tuesday night's cup tie between Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers.

Warrington coroner's court on Tuesday

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon Speed's family said they had been overwhelmed by the support they have received following his death.

'Overwhelmed'

Speaking outside the family's home Hayden Evans, Speed's agent, said: "Gary's family would sincerely like to thank all the people that have sent messages of condolence and tributes in what is a very difficult time.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support and it really has helped.

"We would ask that the family are now given the respect of some privacy to just grieve on their own."

Mr Evans later told BBC Wales that the support had made a difference "albeit a small difference".

He said there was no indication anything was wrong.

"We spoke on Friday, everything was normal," said Mr Evans. "We speak regularly and meet regularly and there were no tell-tale signs and that's what's made it all the more shocking."

Tributes to the former Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle United midfielder, have continued to pour in from public and sporting figures.

On a visit to Manchester, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I think it has been incredibly moving.

Continue reading the main story

I know he meant an enormous amount to people and people feel very, very sad on his behalf and on his family's behalf”

End Quote David Cameron Prime Minister "I was watching Match Of The Day last night and watching people, crowds, absolutely silent and footballers revering his memory.

"Obviously here in the north, where he played for so many of the iconic teams, I know he meant an enormous amount to people and people feel very, very sad on his behalf and on his family's behalf."

MPs from all parties in the House of Commons tabled a motion offering the House's sympathies to Speed's wife and two sons.

It also demanded a "greater understanding of the pressures placed on those in the media spotlight and of mental health issues in general".

The Early Day Motion hails Wales' "significant progress under his guidance" in the 11 months since Speed was appointed manager and recognises his "inspiring effect on players and supporters alike".

It also calls for appreciation of the "sorrow and loss his death has left among players and football supporters across Wales and beyond".

Flowers

The flags outside the Welsh assembly in Cardiff Bay are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.

A book of condolence in memory of Gary Speed at the Football of Wales offices in Cardiff

Supporters have left scarves, football shirts and flowers across several football stadiums - including Everton's Goodison Park, at Leeds United's Elland Road, Newcastle United's St James' Park, the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium, where Wales played their home games.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Cardiff City manager Malky McKay said: "I'm sure the correct tribute and respect will be paid towards Gary.

"Our fans are fantastic. They will do exactly what I think they'll do in terms of tributes, be it silence or applause."

The FAW has opened a book of remembrance at its offices in Cardiff, which will be open from 09:00 to 16:00 GMT, and online.

Speed enjoyed a long and distinguished playing career which included periods with Everton, Newcastle, Bolton, Sheffield United and Leeds, where he won the First Division title in 1992, the year before it became the Premier League.

He was also Wales' most capped outfield player, winning 85 international caps, and managed Sheffield United before becoming Wales boss in December 2010.

After a difficult start, Wales' 4-1 friendly win over Norway on 12 November was his side's third successive win.

Cheshire Police said on Sunday that Speed's body was discovered at his home in Huntington, near Chester.

Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances.

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Premier League to remember Speed

Supporters around the country have been paying tributes to Gary Speed, similar to this one at Elland Road - his first club A minute's applause will be held for Gary Speed at every Premier League game this weekend.

The Wales manager, who was found dead at his home in Cheshire on Sunday aged 42, made 535 appearances in the competition during a 22-year career.

"Gary will be remembered as an iconic player of the Premier League era," a League statement said.

"This will give clubs and fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for Gary's career."

Supporters at the Liberty Stadium paid a similar but spontaneous tribute to Speed before the match between Swansea City and Aston Villa on Sunday, just hours after news filtered through of his death.

Midfielder Speed enjoyed a successful career on the pitch, becoming a fans' favourite at Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.

Robbie Savage, on the BBC News Channel, sheds tears for Gary Speed

He had just embarked on a career in management, helping a resurgent Wales to five victories from 10 games and raising hopes of a successful qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "Gary was a wonderful ambassador for our league, and indeed all of football, but more than that he was a decent man widely respected throughout the game and beyond.

"Gary will go down in history as one of our iconic players, he was a stand-out professional of the modern game and I'm sure all football fans across Britain will be deeply saddened at his untimely passing."

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