The issue of people being knocked down by emergency crews has been highlighted by Scottish broadcaster Sheena Macdonald.

Twenty, 30 miles an hour is actually a colossal speed to be going at if you hit somebody

Sheena Macdonald Broadcaster

Ms Macdonald was knocked down and seriously injured by a police van in North London - she is now suing the Metropolitan Police for compensation.

In 1999, three people died and 60 others were hurt in accidents involving police cars on Scotland's roads alone.

"I certainly think that driving fast is part of the police driving culture. Speed apparently matters to them very much," said Ms Macdonald.

"These are young boys driving what are in effect lethal weapons, two tons of steel, at speed.

"Twenty, 30 miles an hour is actually a colossal speed to be going at if you hit somebody."

Police chiefs in Scotland have defended their record, insisting that their officers are trained to drive safely in any environment.

Strathclyde assistant chief constable Martin Papworth said the dilemma for the police on an emergency call was to get to the scene as quickly but as safely as possible.

He acknowledged that there were no pursuit driver training courses or emergency response training courses in Scotland but said officers were adequately trained and had skills and expertise to draw upon.