Lothian and Borders Police Force has replaced a petrol patrol car, which covers 20-30 miles daily patrolling Edinburgh’s Scottish Parliament, with an electric Vectrix maxi-scooter.

Aimed at reducing the force’s transport emissions and traffic congestion in Scotland’s capital, the zero-emission Vectrix is the first electric vehicle purchased by Lothian & Borders Police force.

The force said an electric car would “struggle to provide the power or range to cope with Edinburgh’s hilly terrain”.

“Police forces like all organisations across the country are addressing continuously increasing fuel costs and environmental concerns.

"It is interesting that in investigating alternatives, we are actually discovering new and more effective methods to deliver our service,” said Dignan McCulloch, the force’s fleet manager.

“The implementation of the Vectrix as a direct replacement for a car is a substantial achievement and goes a long way in helping us to reduce our carbon output.”

The force has already introduced over 48 LPG cars.