Cabinet does whip-round for fined cops

Cabinet ministers are having a whip-round to pay the fines incurred by two policemen and a civilian driver for charges laid against them following Prime Minister Helen Clark's speeding motorcade incident.

Last night Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said the whip-round would be completed soon.

"We were planning to do this in a low-key fashion to show our support for those involved," Dr Cullen said.

Constables Ian Howard, of Timaru, and Simon Vincent, Ashburton, were both fined $675 in the Timaru District Court on Friday, after being found guilty on charges of dangerous driving.

National's deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee, found the move incredible.

"Those boys have got a criminal record against their names when they should never have gone to court," he said.

Timaru police and members of the public are also reaching into their wallets to contribute towards the fines.

Constable Paul Hampton said people had come to the station wanting to donate money.

- NZPA

* Do you want to contribute? Timaru Police Station, 20 North St, Timaru