Police deploying more unmarked vehicles

WELLINGTON: Police are introducing 24 unmarked vehicles nationwide in an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the road.

Acting road policing national manager Inspector Peter McKennie said ‘‘a new fleet of unmarked vehicles will support our ability to prevent deaths and injuries on the road’’.

The unmarked Holden Equinox vehicles will be used to police ‘‘highrisk’’ behaviour, including ‘‘driving while not wearing seatbelts, driving while impaired, driving distracted and travelling at unsafe speeds’’.

Insp McKennie was ‘‘unapologetic’’ if the new initiative meant motorists would stop speeding on the roads.

‘‘Police is committed to reducing the number of people being killed or injured on the roads,’’ he said.

‘‘Too many people are losing their lives, and the unmarked vehicles will encourage people to think twice about engaging in risky driving behaviour.

‘‘We want motorists to be conscious about driving safely at all times, expecting there to be a police presence on the roads, anytime, anywhere.’’

Insp McKennie said the vehicles would come in a range of colours.

‘‘Our officers are out there patrolling the roads every day in an attempt to stop people being killed or injured.

‘‘They are visible across the country in our marked cars, and some are also working in unmarked patrol vehicles, all having a significant impact on making New Zealand roads safer.’’

Insp McKennie said the increase in unmarked vehicles would enable police to detect those who drive dangerously but slow down when seeing a marked vehicle. — The New Zealand Herald