Police Get Eco Car

26 June 2011, 08:06 | Updated: 26 June 2011, 08:14

The electric car is the first of its kind for the force. It was presented to the Chief Constable of Kent Police, Ian Learmonth on Saturday at North Kent Police Station.

The eco-car will help the force to meet Government targets and to achieve its own challenge of a 35 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2014.

The Mitsubishi I-MiEV, complete with number plate P999 ECO, was donated by Dartford-based renewable energy company Enevis. It has a top speed of 80mph and can travel more than 90 miles between charges.

It will initially be based with rural neighbourhood teams working out of Meopham Police Station.

Kent Police is committed to working to reduce carbon emissions and as a public sector organisation has a responsibility to meet environmental targets set by the Government.

As part of its carbon management plan, work is already underway to reduce emissions through the gradual migration to carbon efficient fleet vehicles, lighting controls in communal areas of its buildings and by encouraging staff to turn off lights and equipment when they are not being used.

Mr Learmonth said: “Our two main generators of carbon in policing the county are from our vehicles and our estates and a lot of work is being undertaken to look at the most effective ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.

“I would like to thank Enevis for donating the force’s first zero-emission police car and I am sure it will make an important contribution to both neighbourhood policing and to us reducing our carbon emissions.

“As well as positively impacting on the environment, reducing emissions in this way will help save Kent Police money that can be re-invested in front line policing.”