Toyota Prius Helps Safer Neighbourhoods
Thanks to a partnership deal between The Metropolitan Police Service, National Car Rental and Toyota, the 94 Safer Neighbourhoods teams across London have been given the use of Toyota Prius Hybrid cars.
Safer Neighbourhood teams play a big part in improving the quality of life and environment of London by tackling issues such as graffiti, litter, noise and abandoned vehicles.
The Toyota Prius, European Car of the Year 2005, is the most sustainable alternative to conventional means of transport. It uses a combination of a conventional 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 50kW electric motor. On the open road, power is derived from both sources, but on start up, when stationary and in slow moving traffic, the Prius switches to its electric motor. In this mode, exhaust emissions are reduced to zero. The Prius is also exempt from the Congestion Charge.
Commander James Smith, head of the Safer Neighbourhoods unit, said: “The work of Safer Neighbourhoods teams is an important contribution to improving the quality of life and environment of those who live and work in London. By using these vehicles, officers are both helping the Met reduce its impact on the environment and working with government towards a cleaner, safer, greener London.”
Neil McCrossan, Vice President of Commercial Development of National Car Rental comments: “We have worked with the Metropolitan Police for a number of years now, supporting their varied transport requirements. We are proud to be utilising our expertise to enable the Met and their Safer Neighbourhoods teams run a cleaner, greener fleet.”
Jon Pollock, General Manager Toyota Fleet said: “With more and more fleets aware of the environmental impact of running a number of vehicles, the Prius is able to offer considerable benefits in terms of fuel efficiency combined with low emissions. This makes it an ideal vehicle for use by Safer Neighbourhoods teams who are doing much to improve the environment in our capital city.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
Safer Neighbourhoods
- Each Safer Neighbourhoods team consists of a minimum of six uniformed officers – one sergeant, two PCs and three Police Community Support Officers
- They, together with the community and partner agencies, tackle the issues identified through local public consultation
- Each team is dedicated to the needs of one specific neighbourhood, and is provided in addition to London’s other policing teams and specialist units
- There are currently 256 Safer Neighbourhoods teams in existence across London. All Londoners will benefit from a Safer Neighbourhoods team by 2008
National Car Rental
- In the UK, National Car Rental has over 170 locations and a fleet of 45,000 vehicles
- National Car Rental is the winner of the Best Daily Rental Company Award in the Fleet News Awards 2005 – the 11th year that the company has won this prestigious award
