Police have explained why they were filmed skipping Woodmere Avenue's new restriction after being accused of "double standards".

Footage of officers using a bus lane to avoid the bollards sparked online criticism and even made BBC News.

The video, captured at 10.34pm last night, shows a police car without it’s lights and sirens on driving straight through the bus only lane.

One person wrote "naughty if they're nicking people for it then doing it themselves”, while another blasted the "double standards" amid reports of someone else being ticketed for it.

However, police this morning told the Watford Observer that the officers were responding to a “high risk domestic incident.”

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “It is common practice for incidents such as this for officers to approach without lights and sirens on as to not disrupt residents late at night.

“Officers are able to contravene road laws and some signs whilst they are responding to an emergency.”

It comes after the bollards at the restriction were finally widened at the end of August following numerous crashes which had written off vehicles and tipped them onto two wheels.

Read more:

Among the crashes was one involving a police car which caused significant damage.

Hertfordshire County Council explained certain exempt non-bus vehicles can use the bus lanes in some circumstances.

This includes police cars when on patrol or responding to an emergency call.

Watford Observer: Woodmere Avenue width restrcition before and after changes. Picture: Stephen CavinderWoodmere Avenue width restrcition before and after changes. Picture: Stephen Cavinder (Image: Stephen Cavinder)

“An exempt vehicle means any vehicle in the service of, or employed by, the fire, police or ambulance services when on an emergency call, or a police vehicle on patrol,” they said.

“Non bus drivers/non-exempt vehicles can only use a bus gate or lane should the bus lane TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) be legally suspended for street works or events.

“Road users would be directed by a police officer in an emergency.”

The council added that highway maintenance vehicles, except for gritting vehicles, are not typically exempt.

The long-term aim in Woodmere Avenue is to take the bollards away and install ANPR cameras to deter prohibited vehicles using the residential street.

It is understood they are unlikely to be installed until April 2023 at the earliest.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.