NEW car manufacturers would be forced to install engine immobilisers under a plan to put the brakes on potentially deadly high speed pursuits.

The Queensland Police Union is behind the push with president Ian Leavers pleading directly to Prime Minister Tony Abbott to amend vehicle standards to clear the way for the devices to be installed.

The move is timely after a spate of high speed chases in the State’s south east.

In the letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Leavers said various State and Territory governments had attempted to strike a balance between community safety and catching fleeing criminals.

“At present there is no consistent approach throughout the nation,” the letter said. “The QPUE believes the best answer lies in technological advances.”

Mr Leavers said engine immobilisers were already being installed by the makers of some luxury cars, allowing owners to “remotely track and immobilise their vehicle if it is stolen’.

“Although there will obviously be a cost with such a requirement, it should be evenly spread across the entire industry,’’ Mr Leavers wrote.

He argued mandatory installation would reduce the costs and could lead to a reduction in associated insurance premiums.

“Most importantly, the costs to the community, in terms of lives lost and people injured, would be greatly reduced over time by the elimination of police pursuits, and the swift recovery of stolen vehicles,” he said.

Mr Leavers also told the Prime Minister legislative safeguards could be put in place to ensure community privacy.

He said a vehicle’s location and immobilisation could only occur with the consent of the owner who had reported it stolen.

“Additionally, where vehicles attempt to flee police, appropriate authorised officers … should be able to have the suspect vehicle remotely immobilised.’’

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs is reviewing the proposal but stressed current rules met international standards governed by the United Nations.

Mr Briggs said the Government “will consider adopting and implementing such a regulation’’ should any proposals be put forward to the UN.

“The Government is committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the nation’s roads,’’ he said.

But Mr Leavers called on the Federal Government to “lead the way’’ and “make active representation to the UN with a view to securing such changes’’.

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