Fast return for PM's driver

A man convicted of dangerous driving for his role in the Prime Minister's infamous speeding motorcade is back behind the wheel - this week whisking Helen Clark away from a baying mob of students.

The civilian driver, who has name suppression, was called on to help his passenger make a rapid exit after her speech to students in Christchurch was cut short.

Instead of the expected crowd of receptive liberals, angry opposition supporters made up the numbers and shouted abuse at Helen Clark.

The driver took the Prime Minister to her next appointment at Riccarton Mall.

It was one stop on a day spent driving her on the campaign trail.

Though he topped the 100km/h limit on occasion on the motorway during the day, he stayed well within the 110km/h tolerance zone.

Last month the man, who works for a company contracted by the Crown, was convicted of dangerous driving and fined $675, and ordered to pay $130 court costs.

He was also convicted and discharged on a charge of travelling too close. He was acquitted on another charge of dangerous driving and one of careless driving.

The charges stemmed from the Prime Minister's rush trip from Waimate to Christchurch to catch a plane to Wellington for a Bledisloe Cup rugby game in July.

The Herald understands his prime ministerial assignment was not the first time the man has driven Helen Clark since his convictions.

He has also driven National Leader Don Brash since the case.

A spokesman for the Department of Internal Affairs said that as soon as the case ended, it was made clear the man would be back on normal duties.

Police Association vice-president Geoff Smith said yesterday that the fines imposed on those convicted in the motorcade case had been covered by donations from the Cabinet and the public.

Constables Ian Howard of Timaru and Simon Vincent of Ashburton were fined with the civilian driver.

Eighteen cabinet ministers donated $120 each to cover the officers' fines, a Beehive source told NZPA.

Staff at the Timaru police station and members of the public also opened their wallets to help to cover the fines and additional costs for the officers.

The public funds raised were not disclosed, but Mr Smith said money was still "trickling in".

The association had yet to decide how it would use money left over.