Safety fears over fall in Newham police car numbers
Borough fleet drops 25 per cent in two years
Safety concerns have been raised after it was revealed Newham police have 25 per cent fewer response cars than two years ago.
Figures released by the Metropolitan Police show 64 vehicles are currently in use in the borough.
This is a drop on the 83-strong fleet available for officers in 2010.
The fall is reflected across the capital. The number of available cars fell from 1,758 to 1,561 over the same period.
You may also want to watch:
The figures were released under the Freedom of Information Act after a request by Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas.
John Tully, chairman of the Met Police Federation, the body which represents officers, said the fall was concerning.
Most Read
- 1 Second jabs hub opening at Westfield as ExCeL London vaccination centre soon to close
- 2 Ex-student who got MIT scholarship sets up tutor business to help others
- 3 'Council houses now': Protesters stage action over empty homes
- 4 Newham foster carers on 'most rewarding and uplifting experience'
- 5 Feminism, corner shops and bricks: Here's what's happening in Newham Heritage Month
- 6 Website helps disadvantaged youth understand job roles to raise aspirations
- 7 Anonymous tip off could hold key to murder of Sami Sidhom three years later
- 8 Newham to start weekly recycling collections
- 9 Police officer jailed for GBH after injuring man in Forest Gate
- 10 Call The Midwife stars meet Bonny Downs staff and families
He said: “The risk is as the budget is tightened then the service provided by officers to the public will undoubtedly reduce.
“Our concern is the safety of Londoners, but we do appreciate the need for budgetary restrictions.” “But clearly if there is an emergency then vehicles will be needed.”
The decommissioned cars are likely to be reconditioned and auctioned off.
A Met Police spokesman pointed out that the service has to find �600 million worth of savings by the 2014/2015 financial year.
He said: “We are very open and proactive in seeking to make efficiencies from areas such as the vehicle fleet, estates and contracts so that we can prioritise the continued delivery of operational policing whilst keeping Londoners safe.
“The fleet contains over 5,500 vehicles with a wide range of functions, capabilities and specialisms.
“We continually review our resources to improve our vehicles to ensure they provide best value to the public.”
