Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has authorised a £1 million investment in West Mercia Police's vehicle fleet. The new funding aims to boost the visibility and accessibility of police officers across West Mercia and improve response times to incidents. It will also facilitate the replacement of existing cars and vans that are no longer serviceable.

John Campion emphasised the need for equipping the police force adequately. "After delivering on my commitment to increase officer numbers to the highest level in West Mercia's history, it is vital that the force is equipped with the resources it needs to carry out their roles efficiently and effectively," he said. He added that the investment is in line with the PCC's promise to build a more secure West Mercia and support the five new Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Teams.

Rachel Hartland-Lane, Director of Business Services, welcomed the investment. "This is a much-needed and welcome investment from the PCC which I know will make a significant difference to our officers as we boost our fleet," she stated. "With this money we will be able to buy new vehicles and replace some of our existing fleet so that we can continue to deliver an excellent service to our communities."

This funding comes on the heels of another initiative by John Campion. Last week, the Gazette reported that the PCC had launched a £150,000 Safer Roads Fund aimed at reducing traffic accidents and offences. While some residents, like Mark Finning, questioned the focus on road safety over crime prevention, the latest investment addresses broader community safety concerns by enhancing the police force's operational capacity.