News & Sport for Harwich & Manningtree, Leisure and local info From Harwich & Manningtree Standard

Police hone skills at Ford Dunton

From the archive, first published Thursday 23rd Aug 2007.

POLICE have been honing their driving skills after teaming up with motor giant Ford.

Officers, looking to improve their quick reactions and precise driving manoeuvres, have been doing so thanks to the partnership between Essex Police and Ford's Dunton Technical Centre, in Lower Dunton Road, Laindon.

The automotive research centre, which is the largest in the UK, has its own test track facilities, including a high speed circuit which is used to develop Ford's new vehicles.

Essex Police have been using the facilities to learn and improve driving skills before hitting the roads.

The force's driving instructor, Sgt Paul Hooks, said: "Working together with Ford, Essex Police can utilise some of the best facilities in the county and save money that would otherwise be spent on alternative training sites.

"Pooled together, the knowledge and expertise in road and vehicle safety from Ford and Essex Police will ensure our driver training courses are one of the most highly regarded across the UK."

Graham Hoare, head of Ford Dunton: "Safety is a priority for us and by working with Essex Police our facilities can be used to the benefit of the community as a whole."