New scooter just electric in beating crime – and traffic!

IT MAY not strike terror in to the hearts of hardened crooks, but it can at least lay claim to being one of the most environmentally friendly crime-fighting vehicles.

An electric scooter has been purchased to allow police officers to patrol the area around the Scottish Parliament, as a direct alternative to a petrol squad car.

Lothian and Borders Police has become the first Scottish force to purchase a Vectrix maxi-scooter and expects the machine – which comes complete with blue flashing light and siren – to cover around 30 miles a day.

Inspector Alistair McIntyre will be the first to take the controls of the scooter on the Holyrood beat.

The scooter has a top speed of around 65mph and can get around 70 miles from a single charge, at a cost of just 15p.

As well as being environmentally friendly and extremely economical, it will also allow Inspector McIntyre to get through Edinburgh's congested streets quicker than he could in a car.

And if the vehicle is deemed a success, it is expected similar machines will be brought in to patrol other high-profile public areas such as Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Dignan McCulloch, fleet manager with Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Organisations across the country are focussing on improving their carbon footprint. The implementation of the Vectrix, as a direct replacement for a car, is a substantial achievement and goes a long way in helping us to reduce our carbon output.

"The Vectrix is very easy to use and has excellent visibility. It looks the part and we are looking forward to putting the bike into service and exploring other opportunities for it."

The purchase of the scooter is the latest environmental innovation introduced by Lothian and Borders Police.

It became the first force in Scotland to be awarded Energy Efficiency Accreditation by the National Energy Foundation in 2001.

They have been encouraging the use of alternative forms of transport, including cycling, rail and buses, as well as trying to reduce fuel consumption.

The initiative was also welcomed by the Scottish Parliament.

A parliament spokeswoman said: "We are delighted that the Scottish Parliament Police Unit has acquired this electric scooter. It is one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the market.

"The Parliament continually aims to improve its environmental performance and this new scooter is a great example of the measures that can be taken to reduce our carbon footprint."