A POLICE force is overhauling two of its sections to create an expanded road policing unit.

The merger of Durham Constabulary's traffic and dog sections will see 141 constables across the force's 12 main police stations.

Superintendent Andy Summerbell, head of the operations division, said: "Nationally the trend has been to reduce the number of officers dedicated to road policing but Durham has done the opposite and invested heavily in equipment and personnel."

The unit's main aims will be to stop criminals using the county's 2,500 miles of roads, cut motoring casualties and tackle the offending that blights community life.

Officers will continue to use their expertise, including accident investigation, vehicle examination, the movement of hazardous material and speeding enforcement.

But they will be expected to take on extra responsibilities.

There are currently a number of traffic officers trained in firearms.

Within three years, the number of authorised firearms officers in the unit will be increased from 36 to 60 - a move designed to provide greater on-duty cover for armed response vehicles, baton gunners and tactical teams.

Head of the unit Chief Inspector Paul Goundry said: "An essential product of all these changes will be to respond instantly to situations as and when they arise without having to wait to call in special officers who might be off-duty.

The implementation of a flexible single crewing policy will aim to keep up to 30 cars on the road at any one time.

A pilot scheme could lead to each unit vehicle being installed with automatic number plate recognition equipment.

The unit plans to extend training to develop the ability of officers to pick out stolen vehicles and more family liaison officers are to be made available to relatives of fatal road accident victims.

The unit plans to recruit internally soon to boost the unit's numbers and will develop skills through training.

Chief Insp Goundry said: "Additional time will be invested in existing and new casualty reduction initiatives and officers will pro-actively use powers to seize cars and motorcycles used for anti-social behaviour both on and off the roads."