I AM writing to clarify the situation for readers following the letter regarding police vehicles using bus lanes (Letters, July 8).

The regulations regarding non-authorised vehicles using bus lanes are being enforced as part of an ongoing strategy to reduce road casualties, increase road safety and allow for a more fluid movement of public transport.

Under the current local traffic regulations, emergency services are exempt from the regulations and therefore are allowed to use the bus lanes for police, fire and ambulance purposes.

People may well see police vehicles using these lanes when engaged in police activity that is not identified as an emergency.

We attend many incidents where the public expect a prompt response, or where the vehicle may be carrying prisoners or witnesses, without blue lights flashing and sirens sounding.

As we receive around 21,000 calls for service from the public each month in the division I am sure that most people would appreciate that delaying our attendance in congestion would adversely affect public safety and the detection of crime.

I appreciate the views expressed by the author of the letter and can assure him that, although there is a general exemption for police vehicle use, all our drivers are instructed to use the lanes only when necessary and in the circum-stances outlined above.

Sup't Mick Marren, Lancashire Constabulary.