From July 1, gardai will not automatically have the right to speed or use sirens while driving on-duty.

The Independent reports that while gardai have traditionally had ‘chief's permission’ to use these while pursuing suspects, new regulations will ensure that only qualified drivers will be allowed.

The required CPD2 driving course has seen a slow roll-out so far, and some representatives worry that it will seriously impact Garda operations.

A letter rom the Garda Representatives Association read:

"Members who have done the CPD1 course are not to drive with lights and sirens on or break any rules of the road!! This means that you will not be able to respond to calls as quickly as others."

It goes to say that those with the CPD1 qualification should notify command when they are unable to give chase to a person or vehicle.

There has been criticism from a number of sources, with one telling the paper that it is "pure nonsense" and will impede gardai from dealing with assaults and robberies.