Motorcade drivers put their tongues in park

Five policemen and a civilian driver put on trial over the Prime Minister's speeding motorcade are not speaking publicly about the ordeal, despite some indicating they would like to.

Constables Ian Howard and Simon Vincent and the civilian driver, who cannot be named, were last week fined $675 for dangerous driving in the motorcade between Waimate, South Canterbury, and Christchurch Airport last year.

Three other police officers were acquitted after an eight-day trial in the Timaru District Court in which it was revealed the motorcade travelled up to 170km/h to ensure Helen Clark reached a flight to Wellington for a rugby test match.

The civilian driver yesterday told the Herald he would love to talk but was bound by agreements he had signed with his employer over contact with the media.

Senior Constable Clint Vallender, acquitted of causing or being party to dangerous driving, agreed to speak to the Herald about the case and its impact on him before the verdicts but later pulled out after being advised not to. On a second occasion last week he said he would be happy to talk after the verdicts but has since not responded to calls.

Constable Alister Doonan, who was acquitted on a charge of dangerous driving, said the officers had decided as a group not to speak to the media. The decision was made in consultation with their union, the Police Association, he said.

When asked if he would speak yesterday, Constable Ian Howard said: "Thanks, but no thanks". Mr Vincent could not be reached.

A diplomatic protection officer who was acquitted has stated he will not speak to the media.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said, "They are of the opinion that if they speak it will just keep [the issue] alive longer."

Mr O'Connor said that as far as he was aware there had been no instruction given to the officers from police hierarchy about speaking to media.

Meanwhile, money is flowing in from around the country from police officers wanting to help pay the fines of their convicted colleagues.