OFFICERS are delighted to have taken delivery of the first batch of police vehicles which feature all the latest mod cons.

Sussex Police entered into an agreement with 20 other forces across the south east of England to get deals for new cars, custody vans, and road policing vehicles.

They include new Vauxhall Astras and Ford Mondeos, new custody vans, and new BMW X-drive 530s.

Brighton response unit PC Rob Dewing said patrol cars such as the new Astra now boast more cameras to check on motorists and also record incidents involving police cars.

They are also equipped with brighter lights to help officers be more visible, such as in dark country lanes during the winter, and boast ANPR technology to check motorists’ insurance, MoT and driving licence details.

“It’s there to help us do our jobs, and all the vehicles will be fit for purpose,” he said.

Vehicles also include wifi for officers to log incidents and take statements from their phones, saving them having to return to the station.

Chief Constable Giles York said the new vehicles will replace older vehicles, while the technology will also be retrofitted to newer cars in the fleet, allowing it to become a mobile office for officers.

He said some of the more expensive BMWs are needed for the road policing team as they carry more kit to deal with traffic incidents across Sussex.

“People with skills like our roads policing officers will push these vehicles to the limit,” the chief said.

Police Sergeant Dan Pitcher is a member of the road policing team, with more than 20 years’ experience on the force.

He said the vehicles can respond to information picked up by ANPR cameras, as well as containing road signs, tyre spikes for high-speed chases, and of course the old and trusty broom to sweep up debris.