British spies set to get 'license to speed'

British spies will be given a "license to speed" in the name of national security.

The motoring law changes will allow officers in the MI5 and MI6, domestic and foreign intelligence agencies to break the speed limit on surveillance and covert operations after completing a training course in high-speed driving, News24 reported.

Government ministry sources revealed that it is a "good, common-sense move" which will apply to people who perform vital services in difficult circumstances.

The current law does not allow spies to tail a suspect through an urban area at more than 48km/h, and only the police, fire service and ambulance drivers are allowed to break the speed limit.