POLICE fleet managers attempting to balance the books are being urged to consider a new motorcycle leasing scheme.

Staff working for specialist motorcycle leasing firm Motorcycle Management spoke to more than half of the UK's forces at the Association of Police Fleet Managers show last month (Fleet NewsNet September 2).

They are noting increased interest in leasing, with police chiefs expressing concern about the problems caused by the inflexibility of outright purchase. Motorcycle Management managing director Tony Draycott said: 'We had in- depth conversations with constabulary decision-makers to establish the role of motorcycle leasing in the acquisition and maintenance of their fleets.

'The leasing option means that police will have the ability to expand their requirements, fund their normal machines and also introduce new initiatives such as mopeds and scooters without necessarily having to wait for capital funds to be approved.

'We work closely with manufacturers and this means we can supply any make or model of motorcycle the constabulary chooses.'

Draycott said motorcycles were a vital part of policing in busy city centres where their rapid response capability and highly visible presence are a deterrent to crime. He added: 'Choosing to lease means a police force can add more motorcycles to its fleet without capital constraints.'