HAMPSHIRE Constabulary have taken on a new fleet of BMWs.

The BMW 530d Tourings will be used as ‘roads policing’ patrol cars while the 320d Tourings will be used as ‘area response’ cars.

The force expects to eventually take on 40 of each of the models.

Fleet manager John Bradley, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list, said: ‘We have reviewed our fleet operation and believe the BMW product can provide us with improved residual values, excellent reliability and significant fuel savings.’