It follows Lincolnshire police's decision to implement guidelines introduced by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in January 2004.

The retraining of all response drivers and officers is due to end in April.

Lincolnshire police said the training scheme is being done in the interest of public safety.

Road deaths

ACPO's lead officer for police driver training, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police Ian Shannon, said: "We have a continuing concern that too many people die on the roads and that some of those die following a police pursuit.

"So it is important that we have guidance that helps forces and individual officers to decide when and when not to pursue."

Some police officers in Lincolnshire have already undergone the training, while others are currently being trained.

Lincolnshire Police Federation chairman Andy Rolfe said criminals will not be able to evade police by simply accelerating during the period when officers are trained.

"I think it would be a mistake for anyone to think that," he said.

He said the police force can call on assistance from trained pursuit drivers from neighbouring forces or police helicopters if necessary.