The Northern Territory Police Force has begun the process of replacing its Holden Commodore SS fleet with the new high performance Kia Stinger.
The Road Policing Command will be receiving seven Stingers which will progressively replace all Commodores currently in operation.
Commander Matt Hollamby from the Road Policing Command said the Stinger was trialled in the NT and found to be a suitable replacement.
“Holdens and Fords have been standard road policing vehicles in the NT for the best part of 50 years but now that they are not manufactured, it’s time for us to look at an alternative,” he said.
“The new vehicles not be recognisable at first because we have also redesigned the vehicle decals that people are used to seeing.
“The aesthetic of our decals haven’t changed much in the past 15 years and we thought now was a better time than any to update those as well.
“Members in the Road Policing Command provided input into alternative options and selected the preferred design which was completed in-house.
“Territorians can expect to see the new police vehicles out on the road from today.”
With Easter just around the corner, the Road Policing Command is using this opportunity to renew its plea to all road users in the Territory to take accountability to reduce trauma and deaths on our roads.
Historically, the Easter holiday period represents a higher risk on our roads and NT Police are hopeful that the launch of the new vehicles will help convey messages about road safety to the community.
“Last year we lost 50 people on our roads,” Commander Hollamby said.
“We have recently established the Road Policing and Regional Support Command which includes all traffic operations units throughout the Northern Territory.
“Units in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs are now operating in a more coordinated and streamlined way with the aim of improving road safety.
During this year’s Easter campaign there will be a focus on speed, alcohol, driver distraction and seatbelts, with an additional focus on rural roads.
