Cops Go Electric

A police force has taken delivery of a milk float-style electric car to help community cops.

Gem Cars are also used by Nasa



The Gem Car - which has a top speed of 30mph - is being trialled by the Brighton and Hove division of Sussex Police.

It will enable neighbourhood officers to travel around the city to attend street briefings and make local visits.

With its full Sussex Police livery and large storage space, the
two-seater Gem Cars are already used in the United States by police
forces in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

Sussex, which has been loaned the vehicle, is believed to be the
first force in the UK to be using a 100% electric vehicle, which has
zero emissions and could run purely on solar power, a police spokesman
said.

The Gem Car - which stands for Global Electric Motorcars, part of
the Chrysler group - costs £12,500 and does not have blue lights.

It is classified as an electric quadracycle, so does not need to display a front registration plate.

Police chiefs say it is perfect for local officers to navigate
through built-up parts of Brighton and Hove and has a 50-mile range
before its batteries need to be recharged.

More than 40,000 Gem Cars have been sold worldwide and they have
been used by Nasa. They are exempt from road tax and the London
congestion charge, according to its website.

Sussex Police's trial of the Gem Car will last for just over a week,
and will be displayed at the annual Gay Pride event in Preston Park
next Saturday.

A police spokesman said that following the trial, a decision will be taken on whether to invest in one.


Should we introduce them over here ?

Could get a bit wet in the winter.

Been there, done that,
http://www.evuk.co.uk/hotwires/moira/art16.html