HUNDREDS of police officers will be taught to drive high performance police cars faster and, where necessary, break the Highway Code - to respond to emergencies.

Throughout the next year, 550 members of the force will be trained as response drivers - enabling them to drive at excess speed in rural and urban areas.

The aim is to increase the ability of Hampshire police to respond quickly to urgent calls, categorised as Grade One.

These can include calls where life is endangered or perpetrators of crime are still reported to be at the scene, such as a burglar found inside a house.

The announcement comes as the force prepares to add 60 turbo diesel Ford Focus response cars to the constabulary's fleet - equipped with blue lights, sirens and flashing headlights.

The county will be the first force in the country to take delivery of the new model, which is more fuel efficient.

In April the new Response Driver course will begin and officers from targeted patrol teams in each operational command unit will be trained up.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Readhead said the changes should benefit the public.

"It is important that more officers are qualified to respond in vehicles to incidents that require immediate attention.

"I hope this eases some of the pressure being experienced at the frontline, especially by area car drivers.

"A modern mobile police service which uses the best communications and technology to meet the emergency requirements of its community must be prepared to invest in training, equipment and vehicles to sustain its performance."

Hundreds more could be put through the training next year.