Tasmania Police will be cruising the region on new wheels with the force receiving 14 new BMW motorcycles statewide.
Announced yesterday by Police and Emergency Management Minister Rene Hidding, the fleet of motorcycles came at a cost of $420,000.
Three motorcycles based at Ulverstone will cover the North-West and West coasts.
Three will also be based in the North and eight in the South.
The 14 BMW Motorrads will replace Tasmania Police’s old fleet of 14 BMW R1200RT motorcycles, which had all travelled more than 60,000 kilometres.
Western District Commander Locky Avery said the new fleet would continue to allow police to patrol the streets easily and in comfort.
He said the motorcycles could be used in areas where typical patrol vehicles were unable to go, such as alleyways.
This would enable greater manoeuvrability in pursuits and responding to incidents in heavy traffic.
Mr Hidding said the versatility of the motorcycles made them an “invaluable resource” during high-profile visits and they could be used in traffic management ahead of VIP motorcades.
The motorcycles are used for highway patrol duties, dignitary escorts, general policing duties, public event management and ceremonial duties.
The motorcycles are an integral part of the Tasmania Police fleet, with the advantage of manoeuvrability and ability to access areas that other police vehicles cannot, such as narrow alleyways and tracks.
They also provide a fast police response to crashes in heavy traffic.
Their versatility made them an invaluable resource during recent high profile visits including the Chinese President where they were able to provide traffic management ahead of the motorcade and increase security for travelling VIPs.
The Department evaluated three motorcycle models against operational requirements, including extensive field trials.
The BMW Motorrad was selected as the most suited to police operational requirements due to its clearance, performance, safety and technological features and storage capacity.
These safety and technological features include an electric front windscreen, heated seats and handlebars, and cruise control.
First Class Constable Haydn Barnard said all these features reduced rider fatigue, which was important when straddling the motorcycle for many hours a day.