Unless they are involved in covert operations or otherwise excepted under contract, operational mobile patrol vehicles will clearly display the organisation’s name, badge or logo, and telephone number.

Operational vehicles need to be:

1. Appropriate for intended use; if there is a requirement for specified or particular vehicles e.g. 4 wheel drive

1.1 The Alternative Route

i. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicles use a fuel which is both cheaper and cleaner than petrol and some manufacturers. The LPG-converted Smart car is one of the leaders in this particular class and certainly a vehicle to be considered.

ii. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is another alternative fuel and even cleaner than LPG, Volvo offer most of their range with this option, however there are fewer than 50 filling stations around the country, therefore it is unlikely to be a serious contender at the moment.

iii. Electric cars have been available for some time. However, their short range still dictates that they remain largely restricted to the role of internal perimeter run-around, but with zero direct emissions at street level, they make a significant contribution to reducing pollution. However, the electricity they use demands them to be regularly plugged into the grid to recharge – so they cannot be regarded as entirely "green" as they are sometimes seen. Never-the-less, the electric G-Wiz – is probably the "greenest car available" – with its 40mph top speed and a range of 40 miles, is well worth considering.

1.2 Hybrids

i. Although there are not many types of hybrid car currently on sale in the UK, they are probably the most practical option available – combining a small conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric generator/motor unit. This replaces both the traditional starter motor and the alternator, allowing the engine to generate electricity to power the motor. When the motor is not being driven – when the car is going downhill or when braking heavily, for instance – the electricity generated is diverted to top up the battery pack instead. Most of today’s production models have both the engine and the motor connected to the car’s transmission system, allowing the vehicle to run as much as possible just on electric power and only using its internal combustion engine to give extra power when needed. Generally hybrids carry a 10 – 20 per cent higher price tag than similar conventional vehicles, but they do benefit from low road tax and, they do have significantly lower CO2 level emissions. Vehicles such as the Honda Civic IMA, the Lexus 400h SUV and the Toyota Prius are certainly worth considering about.

2. carrying a two way communications device, mobile phone or radio;

3. inspected by the organisation Operations Manager at least once per month, and daily by the driver, to ensure that they are roadworthy; checking:

a. Fuel

b. Engine Oil

c. Coolant

d. Lights, head, side, reverse, fog, instrument panel, indicators, and 4 way hazard indicators

e. Windscreen Wipers and Washers

f. Brakes

g. Tyres including spare wheel, condition and inflation

h. Jack and wheel-brace

i. Tax disc

4. Serviced regularly; in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions; service history is to be kept in control room, copies of servicing, repairs, insurance and MOT documents held in vehicle.

5. Repaired as soon as possible, when damage is found;

6. Kept clean and tidy, by the driver.

Vehicles carrying keys

Where required an appropriate safe should be installed as per BS 7499.

Other Equipment

The equipment listed below will be considered in line with the use, manning and deployment of the vehicle and where required will be provided.

An appropriately stocked First aid kit.

Tow rope 2500kg, 4.27m in length manufactured to BS AU 187.

Warning Triangle – heavy-duty folding reflective triangle to European specification.

Tyre pressure gauge.

Tyre tread depth gauge.

High Visibility Vest – conforming to EN 471.

Safety Hammer – Cuts through seat belts and shatters car windows.

Shovel; small or folding.

Light sticks – Snap-light Safety Light sticks.

Disposable Camera - 24 exposures with built in flash.

Notebook with pencil.

Survival Blanket – compact emergency foil thermal blanket CE marked.

Whistle – Plastic orange emergency whistle; CE marked.

Work gloves – general purpose work gloves.

LED Wind-up torch or torch and spare batteries.

Ice Scraper - with rubber handle.

Fire Extinguisher – BC powder extinguisher for liquid and electric fires.

Holdall, for equipment.

Large thermos flask, for tea, coffee or soup.

Maps for the operational area.

Also consider for winter operations:

Full size fleece blanket

De-mister pad

Self-heating meal with spoon

De-icer spray for your windscreen

Winter screen wash for your car

Emergency glow stick for 12 hours of light

25kg bag of rock salt

Equipment records

Records should be kept of all equipment issued. Employees should be required to sign for equipment and uniforms received, and to give an undertaking to return equipment on termination of their employment.

Records of equipment calibrated and/or repaired are kept and maintained in the office for at least 12 months.

Records of vehicle maintenance and repair will be kept in the office for the period of ownership of the vehicle.