Figures have been revealed by police forces across Scotland
showing the amount paid out in compensation and legal fees relating
to crashes involving their vehicles.
Scotland's biggest force, Strathclyde Police, paid out £255,744
in third party claims between January 1, 2008, and December 31 last
year.
The force also revealed that the cost in repairs to damaged
police vehicles following crashes was £948,277.
It did not release details of legal fees however, arguing the
cost and time to examine 387 files would exceed limits imposed
under the Freedom of Information Act.
Lothian and Borders Police said between April 2008 and January
this year, they spent £11,911 for third party injuries and £103,588
for third party vehicle repairs when the police driver was deemed
to have been responsible for the accident.
They have also forked out £4,349 on third party solicitors' fees
and £10,047 for police solicitors including the cost of chasing
responsible third parties.
The force said: "Due to the drawn-out nature of injury claims,
settlement is not achieved as speedily as those claims where injury
is not a feature eg No personal injury payments have yet been made
in respect of incidents that occurred after April 1, 2009."