last updated 14th April 05
by 4ecotips.com

Key benefit is reducing CO2 emissions

Police in Merseyside are testing out biodiesel for use in their squad cars from this summer, in a bid to cut pollution and reduce running costs.

Julie Gill, Merseyside police's director of resources, told the Liverpool Echo: "We are looking at the possibility of biodiesel to replace the normal diesel presently used. The key benefit of this would be reducing emissions while not having any detrimental effect on vehicles which are powered by diesel.

"We have the chance to be greener at less cost and that's good. We will continue to explore all options which can help us to make what contribution we can to improving our environment," she added.

The scheme is part of a green initiative by the force aimed at reducing waste from vehicles and bases.

The police believe the efficiency drive, launched last year to identify ways of cutting the force's energy use by ten per cent, has been so successful it could pay for eight extra police officers on the streets next year.

Other energy saving measures employed by the force include installing recycling bins in every office, fitting stations with solar panels, using energy efficient lighting and putting "reminder" stickers on electrical equipment so that officers turn it off when not in use.