BOSSES have explained their "common sense" driving policy for Lancashire fire crews in the wake of speed limits being imposed on West Midlands colleagues.

The Association of British Drivers voiced surprise after West Midlands ordered its engine drivers not to go faster than 45mph in a 30 zone.

In Lancashire, there are no limits set.

John Taylor, press officer for the county's fire and rescue service, said: "If it was not a life-threatening emergency like a grass fire, they wouldn't go hell-for-leather.

"If it was someone trapped in a burning house, a few seconds could mean the difference between life and death so the drivers can go as fast as they reasonably can.

"The drivers are extremely talented and are working in vehicles, built in Lancashire to our own specifications, that are extremely manoeuvrable."