My other car’s a panda…

Wednesday 19th January 2011, 1:01PM GMT.

Police constable Angus Nairn with the Lotus motorway patrol car on test on the M54 near Cosford

Traffic police in Shropshire have recruited this new 168mph weapon in their battle against speeding drivers.

The £50,000 Lotus Evora model is the fastest police car in Britain will now patrol the county’s roads – particularly the M54 and A5 – as well as roads across the West Midlands.

The high-performance model, which is powered by a 280bhp 3.5 litre V6 engine, was donated to police to allow them stay one step ahead of criminals and speeding drivers and is the first elite sports car to be used by a UK police force.

The car, which can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, comes complete with its police livery, badges and flashing lights.

As part of a trial, officers will cover 450 miles of highways over two weeks in the West Midlands including the M5, M6 and M42 motorways and the M6 toll road.

Constable Angus Nairn said: “It’s a very quick car and we hope it will prove an effective deterrent to anyone thinking of speeding or trying to outrun us. It has incredible performance yet still does around 30 miles to the gallon.

“It will attract a lot of attention on the motorways but that is the whole idea – it will remind drivers of the need to keep to their speed limits at all times.”

Constable Steven Rounds, from the Central Motorway Police Group, added: “The Lotus is a visually stunning machine which offers us the opportunity to engage with the public and reinforce and promote the life-saving messages of road safety.”

Police are no strangers to attracting attention on the motorway after they borrowed an HGV last year in a bid to see into the cabs of lorries and catch drivers using mobile phones and laptops at the wheel.

Police have said they will also be using the sportscar as an educational tool to teach young drivers about the dangers of speed.

The car hit the region’s streets from Sunday after finishing a three-day stint at the annual Autosports International Show which was held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.

By Jason Lavan

View more: West Mercia Police news.

1
Squire

January 19, 2011 at 13:33

Nice toy!

There are faster, more practical cars available for much less money.

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- TonyS
  
  January 19, 2011 at 20:54
  
  You clearly have not seen the many accolades that the Lotus Evora has received from motoring experts since it’s launch. You are also missing the point that the cost is irrelevant, since the car is on loan to the Police.
  The real purpose is to publicize the fact that motorists who exceed the speed limit in this area are more likely to get caught.
  
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  - Squire
    
    January 20, 2011 at 09:34
    
    No, I am not missing the point. Would the officer be more efficient if he were driving a more suitable car for the job?
    
    The large Volvos that the police use are plenty powerful enough to keep up with almost everything, and if faster cars are needed then surely a pursuit would not be safe and is therefore a job for a helicopter? The benefit of other cars is their ability to carry lots of essential equipment and also the benefit of the rear seats being accessible if required.
    
    So I refer you to my original statement…. NICE TOY!
    
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    - Jake
      
      January 21, 2011 at 11:35
      
      And how much does it cost to deploy the helicopter each time compared to a little Lotus running around the streets?
      
      Report abuse
2
StevanEgg

January 19, 2011 at 14:09

What a waste of money…still at least I’m not paying for it…oh hang on yes I am!!

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- tony jones
  
  January 19, 2011 at 16:34
  
  try and read the article before making stupid comments. It quite clearly says the car was donated – so NO , you are not paying for it !
  
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  - Steve Woods
    
    January 20, 2011 at 09:18
    
    Are you implying that the Police are paying for its fuel, tyres and other requisites out of their own pockets and the kindness of their hearts?
    
    I think you’ll find that the cost of providing consumables for police vehicles is covered by the police precept in your council tax, so the original poster was correct. You are paying for it.
    
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    - buckster
      
      January 20, 2011 at 15:06
      
      Just the same as he/she would have been had it been a panda.
      
      Report abuse
3
Stokey

January 19, 2011 at 14:15

Totally impractical, yet another PR stunt, they must have a whole department dreaming up these things, and it seems that a select few officers are spending a lot of their time getting photographed or filmed, isn’t this the one who was on the box last week driving a HGV picking up on lorry drivers using mobile phones?

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- buckster
  
  January 20, 2011 at 15:08
  
  “picking on lorry drivers using mobile phones” so you think its acceptable to drive a BIG heavy Lorry whilst using a mobile phone? its not just like it is’nt in a car.
  
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- Jenks
  
  January 24, 2011 at 18:53
  
  Police use HGV picking on other lorry drivers using mobile phones…… WOW what a statement!!!!!!! To agree or disagree with the way ANY potential killer motorists is stopped by the police who are totally disregarding the rules of the road… If you do not agree with the Highway Code, simple don’t drive, use another method of transport….. Anyway the guy on the box stopped using his mobile phone was also 2 or 3 times over the limit and was drinking open cans of beer when stopped.. If the police had not used the lorry they would have passed him and he may have very easily ploughed over me/you or any other family and kids…
  
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4
Colin.D.

January 19, 2011 at 14:23

One wonders why they need a car capable of such speed. In the event of a pursuit, the police are advised to follow at a safe distance for public safety reasons.
A touch of overkill it seems to me, still, they will have great fun posing in it.

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- Brian McInnes
  
  January 19, 2011 at 17:28
  
  I think you need to spend a day with the motorway police. You might find your answer at the end of the day
  
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  - Colin.D.
    
    January 20, 2011 at 11:34
    
    I have watched numerous “fly on the wall” documentaries about the motorway police Brian, and in all of them they follow at a safe distance using the eye in the sky to set up diversions and rolling road blocks. In NONE of said documentaries have I seen speeds of 168mph attained. 100-130 maybe in the very early hours and there are plenty of cars capable of that speed.
    This debate begs the question, if the NSL is 70mph, why is it necessary for manufacturers to build cars capable of such a ridiculous speed?.
    Most LGV’s are now fitted with speed limiters, around 56mph I believe yet they lose no performance through the gears. If cars were similarly equipped, the speed freaks could enjoy the acceleration from their cars but at 70mph, end of story.
    No speed cameras needed on motorways, no more high speed pursuits by patrol cars, and no need for such over the top police vehicles, a Ford Focus would be plenty fast enough.
    
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5
The 'Other' Matt

January 19, 2011 at 14:24

Are you sure that the Shropshire Star has it’s facts right on this one?.
I watched a report last week on the BBC showing this car and the Police spokesperson said it had been lent from Lotus for free and the livery too had been done free. It was being shown to promote the Police.
C’mon Shropshire Star, get your facts right!

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- Colin.D.
  
  January 19, 2011 at 14:56
  
  Have you read the article at the top of the page Matt, it clearly states that the car was “donated”, complete with all necessary modifications?.
  What has the Star got wrong?.
  
  Report abuse
  - The 'Other' Matt
    
    January 19, 2011 at 15:52
    
    As reported by the BBC (and a Police Spokesperson), they said that the car was not for operational use and was a PR tool only. (Why else would Lotus lend it).
    The whole article implies that the car is used for operational use when in fact it’s not. Misleading reporting which creates typical forum hysteria.
    
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  - The 'Other' Matt
    
    January 19, 2011 at 15:56
    
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-488998/The-140mph-Lotus-Exige–fastest-car-grace-police-force.html
    
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6
john smith

January 19, 2011 at 14:45

We will no doubt see a spate of speeding offences done by officers “practising their driving skills” all of whom get let off their offences while mere mortal drivers get fleeced.

I’d sooner see money spent on CRIME reduction and far more positive policing. Get them off their butts and out onto the streets to earn their wages!

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- Jeffrey Borra
  
  January 19, 2011 at 19:16
  
  well said it seems the police have lost their way now
  
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7
Andrew Silman

January 19, 2011 at 14:55

I presume there is no back seat for them to put you in while they do checks. Almost makes you want to speed so you can get caught to get a closer look and take a few snapshots with your mobile phone..

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8
Ste

January 19, 2011 at 15:18

Why are most people moaning about the cost…donated free, as stated in the article. Crack on. At least i’m not paying for it, Oh hang on…no i’m not!

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- Tyrone Shoelaces
  
  January 20, 2011 at 00:19
  
  Double negative suggesting you are not not paying for it which in fact means you are paying for it. Which in fact you’re not. Which I think you are aware of.
  
  I feel better now. However, I’m not sick. But I’m not well.
  
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9
Dazzler

January 19, 2011 at 15:51

Im glad a couple of people read the article properly too – Saw this car at the AutoSport show at the NEC this weekend, looks like a real smart piece of kit. Good bit of PR, Lotus get good advertisement, police raise profile – win win.

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10
CB

January 19, 2011 at 15:59

I’ll be surprised if it does get an outing on the A5 except for photo opportunities, the CMPG tend to leave that area of patrol work to the Highways Agency officers.
And well spotted Stokey, yes it is the same officer.
Some do seem to be more interested in a life before the camera than dragging miscreants before the bench.

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11
David Clegg

January 19, 2011 at 16:52

…..im sure Lotus are just after lots of fuss with pictures and tv coverage to help sell more cars, it will be painted and sold in 6 months time at auction

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12
jeff

January 19, 2011 at 17:15

i suppose now they have a car that goes that fast they’ll have to try it out like the pc who did over 150 mph and was cleared

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- T Davies-Moss
  
  January 20, 2011 at 12:13
  
  That PC was fully justified in testing the new car he had to see what it can and cant do safely. As a member of the public i fully support his actions and only criminals are frightened of the capabilities of the police.. as they should be
  
  Report abuse
  - Craig
    
    January 20, 2011 at 15:28
    
    There ARE safe places with road like conditions where the car could’ve be tested without putting any of the public at risk ,such as Speedways, and Test Roads. For example, WHY would he need to “Test” the car can do 150MPH safely in uncontrolled conditions? More to the point, what if it COULDN’T handle it safely? Would hitting a family car out of control (most likely Killing the children in the rear) have been ‘Justified’?
    
    I think not.
    
    Report abuse
13
Andy

January 19, 2011 at 17:28

Yes, the car was DONATED. People moan about the police every chance they get, just because they can. Look at your own faults and greed before criticising.

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- T Davies-Moss
  
  January 20, 2011 at 12:15
  
  i think they R just jellous Andy
  
  Report abuse
14
RobertPeel

January 19, 2011 at 20:31

It looks great. How many accidents will it cause with the rubberneckkers trying to get a second look and taking their eyes off the road to do so?

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15
The Original Jake

January 19, 2011 at 21:58

The more I read the comments on the Shropshire Star site, the more I’m convinced the average commenter’s mentality is “Read headline, ignore article, type ill informed comment”.

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- H. St. John Peasbody
  
  January 20, 2011 at 09:34
  
  That’s because the initial internet article is a much shortened version of the full newspaper article – quite often, key points from the full article are missing from the internet version. The following day, the internet article is updated to the full version. This is to ensure that people buy the newspaper and don’t just read the articles online.
  
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16
stephen rowson

January 20, 2011 at 07:57

will this one be taken out buy off duty police to home in there skills on the police test track to you and me the M54 or is it to catch them that do as we now know this as happened in the past or have we only got very short memories any way we no that it will have to be taken to the motor way slip road by trailer then unloaded for show then put back on at the end of the day as there budget will not stretch to putting in the petrol as for speeding there is already a big deterrent it,s called VAT and government price fixing to bail out the banks

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- Drew Peacock
  
  January 20, 2011 at 19:39
  
  And breathe.
  
  Report abuse
17
Simon

January 20, 2011 at 09:55

If you really want to ‘connect’ with the young drivers wouldn’t they be better using a V reg Corsa with big bore exhaust, Carlos Fandango wheels etc?

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18
eva land

January 20, 2011 at 10:09

I look forward not to the police playing games with boy racers of whatever age.
It’s a distraction and police don’t have a terrific record of not causing accidents themselves. Remember Vanessa Whitburn?
Editor of the Archers for those who don’t!

Each year in Britain accidents on the road cause 4,000 deaths and 40,000 serious injuries. Not many as badly hurt as Vanessa Whitburn live to describe the experience.

[Driving to the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham one morning in February 2004, her car was hit at speed from the side. The crash broke every rib on the right side of Vanessa's body. Both lungs were punctured and one collapsed. Her spleen was so damaged that it had to be removed. Her liver was badly torn and her pelvis was broken in two places.]

[Basic driving errors and risk-taking while in high-speed chases were to blame for most police accidents, with 150 deaths caused in the past five years.]

[Police officers admitted in 2009 that they caused 3,357 crashes in 2008 alone. Some 2,492 of the people effected by these accidents were driving another vehicle. An additional 22 were pedestrians, 56 were motorcyclists and a total of 126 people needed hospital treatment.]

[Some time ago, Lamborghini announced with much fanfare their “donation” of a Gallardo patrol car to the Italian police. That same Polizia-liveried Lamborghini Gallardo was destroyed after the police officer driving the supercar crashed into two parked cars. The accident took place following an exhibition where Italian police had the car on display, apparently in an event promoting road safety.]

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- r
  
  January 23, 2011 at 14:39
  
  Oh, in that case then. when there is somebody in your house with a knife, the police should take their time and tootle up the road at 30 mph, wait at red lights etc. You might get killed but its ok because the police kept to the speed limit.
  
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19
Soapbox John

January 20, 2011 at 10:38

Great PR stunt. Nice car. Pitty more couldn’t be donated as I would love one. :-)

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20
Stuwlam

January 20, 2011 at 11:12

Ignoring all the riduculous comments above from those who decry this as a waste of our money – read the article, its donated; I think the Police are in danger of scoring an own goal with this one. Public opinion on Police drivers in Shropshire is not exactly positive following the 150mph jaunt along the M54 “testing” a new police car – result police driver cleared of any wrong doing. You or I would have had the proverbial book (possibly even the bookcase) thrown at us if we tried that. In addition, I believe that most people think the priority for the police is to catch criminals. In the meantime Shropshire and Mid Wales are awash with mobile speed camera vans to catch the speeding drivers. We do not need this car and the Police have made a bad misjudgement and will lose a certain volume of public support in light of this decision.

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21
Peter

January 20, 2011 at 12:40

It’s a Lotus. We all know what it stands for…

It’ll spend more time in the garage than on the road.

(Waits for howls of protest from Lotus owners).

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- Jesus H Corbet
  
  January 20, 2011 at 15:23
  
  Its true it is.
  
  Did you know that their top speed actually increases the more you drive it? Mainly due to bits of it falling off.
  
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22
patsy morgan

January 20, 2011 at 15:24

i think that the person who made the remark if cars were only made to go at the allotted speed for the country they are in ,we would never need speed cop s, speed bumps, and even most of the road signs which are a distraction in them selves, with overkill signs every where so best idea is to make cars that can only go 100 kl m s a hour. best idea yet! racing cars are going out of fashion too, because fuel isn’t limitless what a waste of fuel and bad on environment , bet i have upset some but i DONT care patsy

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23
Simon

January 21, 2011 at 09:11

Considering the cuts in public services that are being faced this is one hell of an own goal in the PR game.

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24
Nistagmus

January 21, 2011 at 10:08

‘My other car’s a Panda’ is good, but I’d have gone with ‘Pimp my Panda’. But you know your demographics.

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25
Gary

January 21, 2011 at 17:34

I for one are all for the police getting allthe help they can get in reducing speeders on our roads, but whats wrong with regular protrols up and down the roads in diesel astra’s, there quick enough for here and do more miles per gallon. Carnt wait till march to see how much council tax goes up to cover the fuel cost !!

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26
JamesBlonde

January 21, 2011 at 21:08

My brother owned a Lotus Elan in the early 80′s. When it broke down in the rain [the fan belt went] he replaced the broken fan with one from an allegro. They were the same. It broke down again before we got home but we only had 3 miles to walk from there. Happy Days. Hope they have R.A.C cover.

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27
Bob Skank

January 22, 2011 at 23:24

Ahhh so that’s why my council tax is stupidly expensive. “We’re all in it together”

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28
a

January 24, 2011 at 11:07

outrageous at any time let alone when cuts being made

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29
Dave

January 24, 2011 at 19:05

Expensive and impractical. Low to ground..visibility nil! You couldn’t even see into another vehicle from that one. No boot space for the traffic cones, signs, brushes, shovels or lunch-box and certainly no space for a prisoner!

Free advert for Lotus and a poor advertisement for the police in these challenging times. This will certainly disengage you from the general hard working majority who are having to cut back.. The general public who have not read this article and see that vehicle on patrol will think that you have an abundance of money!!!

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