THE Honda Jazz has made its debut as a police vehicle, with three models starting service as patrol cars.

They are set to become a familiar sight to residents on the Kent/Surrey borders thanks to a joint initiative from Surrey Police, Tandridge District Council and Honda.

They were purchased as part of a joint safety initiative with Tandridge District Council to be used by neighbourhood specialist officers and police community support officers in Caterham, Oxted and Lingfield.

A fourth vehicle, a Honda HR-V, was also supplied to be used by the district’s rural affairs officer.

“The highly distinctive silver cars with Tandridge Community Safety on the side will help officers provide a more visible presence in the community,” said Surrey Police’s fleet manager, Ian Plumridge. “The vehicles were selected for their roominess and versatility, for their proven dependability and for their low operating costs. And while the particular models we have selected are Japanese built, we took into consideration Honda’s impressive commitment to manufacturing and employment in this country.”

“We are particularly pleased to be selected as a supplier to Surrey Police for this contract, given our close ties and commitment to the area,” said Mark Jones, Honda’s Government and emergency services sales co-ordinator. “We are proud to include so many police, fire and rescue services and ambulance service authorities - as well as Ministry of Defence departments - among our customers.”