THE Metropolitan Police is to fit black box data recorders to its 500 rapid response cars following trials earlier this year. The devices are expected to be fitted 'some time in this financial year', a spokesman said, at a cost of £250,000.

It is almost certain the technology will eventually be introduced to all the force's 4,300 vehicles. The Met hopes the boxes will reduce by 10% the 5,710 police crashes in London last year.