Police drivers are jumping red lights and activating speed cameras every 35 hours, new figures reveal.

In 2005 and 2006, 515 officers from Sussex Police were caught on camera breaking speed limits while on duty.

Figures, revealed under the Freedom of Information Act, showed 54 officers had been given speeding tickets.

Five faced further disciplinary action from within the force.

Officers caught on camera speeding are required to provide police bosses with a report of the incident. Senior officers decide whether the driver should be exempt from prosecution, be issued a summons or face a disciplinary tribunal.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Safety is always paramount.

"It has to be a calculated judgement. The onus is on the officers to make a judgement."

There are 3,100 officers serving with Sussex Police and 960 police vehicles.

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 exempts emergency vehicles, including ambulance, fire engines and police cars, from speed limits if it stops the drivers from carrying out their duties.

A spokeswoman for Brake, the road safety group, said: "Even when officers are answering emergency calls we have some concern. We don't think they should be able to travel at very high speeds. There are some speeds which should never be travelled at no matter what the emergency because the risks far outweigh the benefits of reaching the emergency."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an investigation looking at whether changes could be made to prevent accidents involving speeding police cars.

It followed the death of Karen Stagg, 47, who was killed when a police car collided with her car at Gatwick in 2005.

PC Nicholas Andrews Faulkner was found guilty of careless driving at Winchester Crown Court but was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.

Earlier this year Sergeant Richard Siggs told of his embarrassment at being fined after being found guilty of careless driving.

Sgt Siggs crashed into a Ford Focus at Preston Circus in Brighton when he was on his way to attend a report of a pub fight. His license was endorsed with seven points and he faced an internal disciplinary procedure.

Should police bosses make an example of any officers caught speeding? Have your say below.