Guess they are just trying to push their boundaries to see what they can get away with, but definitely agree with you on that score. but, are customs & excise at ports and similar able to go in pursuit of drug importers, etc if found "in the act" so to speak, or do they have to call the police to do it for them? If they can, then would it be an extension of that?
Believe they have to use the police. Do they even have powers of arrest, or do the police have to do that for them too? matt
I used to have a friend who worked for Customs as an investigator. He carried out covert surveillance, searches of suspect premises etc. much like CID. They do that, you know. I had no idea they were supposed to stick to speed limits - I don't think he did either.
HMRC surveillance teams have no exemption from the Road Traffic Act. They are not classed as an emergency service so have to obey speed limits and traffic signs etc. Gaining an exemption would make their job a whole lot easier.
