Traffic Operational Command Unit - Role, Responsibilities and Aims

Role, Responsibilities and Aims

Traffic OCU's patrol officers are highly trained advanced (pursuit) drivers, motorcyclists and vehicle examiners. All receive additional training in accident investigation with many being trained to advanced levels in forensic collision reconstruction, vehicle examination, tachograph analysis and hazardous materials enforcement. They have responsibility for the enforcement of road safety legislation, response to major incidents and incidents on motorways and the strategic road network, the complete investigation of fatal collisions, and the initial investigation of life changing Road Traffic Collisions within the MPD.

Traffic OCU Sergeants (known colloquially as "Garage Sergeants") are also responsible for the investigation of all collisions involving police vehicles.

Traffic OCU's stated aims are to:

• Deny criminals use of the roads by enforcing the law
• Reduce road casualties
• Tackle the threat of terrorism
• Reduce anti-social use of the roads
• Enhance public confidence and reassurance by patrolling the roads
• Attend and investigate all fatal collisions

In addition to general police duties and patrol, Traffic OCU officers focus particularly on offences related to antisocial and criminal use of vehicles, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, excessive speed, dangerous and careless driving, defective vehicles, commercial vehicles and the transportation of hazardous materials, and disqualified, unlicensed or uninsured drivers.

Within Traffic OCU, the Road Death Investigation Unit, staffed by detectives and expert collision investigators, is responsible for the investigation of all fatal collisions within the Metropolitan Police District. Whilst work continues to reduce the death toll, there are still in the region of 130 road traffic collision fatalities on London's roads each year - more than the number of murders.