THE use of a police vehicle by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has been questioned after the Cambrian News exclusively revealed he is being investigated for an alleged road traffic offence.

It emerged last week that the Independent Police Complaints Commission is currently investigating Mr Salmon for driving a police vehicle with defective tyres.

But Richard Church, who will be standing against Mr Salmon in May’s PCC election as a Welsh Liberal Democrat, has now questioned why the commissioner has been given use of a police vehicle at all.

Mr Salmon’s office has defended his use of the vehicle, saying it was a “cost-effective” way of travelling to and from jobs and was not for personal use.

The exchange followed a Freedom of Information request which found that the BMW 530 supplied to Mr Salmon is equipped with blue lights and a siren that he cannot use.

The request also states the commissioner is entitled to claim 45p per mile in mileage expenses for use of a private vehicle.

“Christopher Salmon has been accused of driving a vehicle with defective tyres,” said Mr Church. “That, in itself, is a serious accusation and will doubtless follow the due process of the law.

“But this saga begs the question of why he has use of a specialist police vehicle at all?"

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