FORD has provided two of its high-performance ST24s for evaluation by Kent Constabulary. The 2.5-litre V6 hatchbacks will cover around 100,000 miles during their year-long trial, working on both traffic and area response duties. Both are supplied with anti-lock brakes and traction control as standard, along with alloy wheels and sports body styling.

They can reach 60mph in eight seconds and can sprint from 30û50mph in fourth gear in 6.5 seconds.Mike Miller, fleet manager for the Kent force, said: 'We expect them to cover extremely high mileages, working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This sort of trial is of great value to us and Ford. We are delighted to participate in such a good partnership which gives us the opportunity to evaluate the two cars over a long period.'