A FORMER motorway policeman forced to retire due to police cuts has managed to make a career U-turn – by returning to the beat as a volunteer.

Simon Westwood said he enjoyed his time in uniform so much that he wasn’t prepared to hang up his uniform despite being told he had to retire.

Now the former inspector is back on the beat as a Special Constable with the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG).

Mr Westwood, a police officer for 34 years, was one of almost 180 West Midlands Police officers who were told they had no choice but to retire at the end of last month as the force looked to make £40 million savings.

The force implemented the controversial A19 regulations at the end of last year allowing it to force all officers with 30 years worth of pensionable service to retire.

Police chiefs said it was one of only a few ways they could meet Government cuts and reduce police officer numbers without slashing services to the public.

Mr Westwood said: “I am extremely pleased I have been given this opportunity to carry on working as a police officer, doing a job I feel so passionate about.

“Despite the force losing a number of experienced police officers, I am absolutely delighted to be returning in the form of a special constable, where hopefully I can continue to make a significant contribution and pass on my knowledge and experience to others.

“Even though technically I am a new recruit, I certainly don’t feel like one, especially after all the years I have been in uniform,” he added.

Mr Westwood was sworn in as a special at beginning of the month, immediately after his police career came to an abrupt end.

A police spokesman said Mr Westwood would remain with the CMPG, which would “continue to benefit from his vast experience and knowledge”, which he had amassed over the last seven years on the motorways and 13 years as a traffic officer.

The implementation of A19 has proved controversial amid concerns the most experienced officers were being lost to the service.