The South Wales Police Driver Training Department has received a 2014 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its “holistic approach to the management of employees who drive for work”.
The system developed by South Wales Police challenges historic police driver education through a combination of simulation and psychometric evaluation, blended with coached outcomes.
The 13-strong team is headed up by former roads policing sergeant Gareth Morgan, who undertook an MSc in Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University before designing a validated approach for the facility.
As well as improving safety for South Wales Police drivers and the public they serve, the driver training department has also supported the force’s economic challenges with income generation of more than £500,000 in the last three years by providing services to external clients including the prison service and military, Qatar Police and HRH Prince of Wales’ chauffeur.
The project is now self financing; set up costs were recovered within the first year and the scheme runs at a profit in terms of accident reduction rates.
Mark Milton, director of HR at South Wales Police, said: “This award highlights our commitment, passion and dedication to improving road safety. The judges highlighted that our driving unit provided an outstanding example of good management.”
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