New smaller police cars are 'a bit snug' in the back

Thursday, 22 November 2018

Police are looking into whether people are having trouble fitting into the back of their new Holden Commodore ZB liftbacks.

The 157 police vehicles were described as 'a bit snug' in their headroom by a frontline staff member in Police News, raising concerns over comfort and safety.

The issue was highlighted in an anonymous column in the New Zealand Police Association magazine.

'Apparently, even those who are of average stature are finding it a struggle to fit in the back, which, as well as being uncomfortable, can also be risky,' the author said.

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'Some mates in Counties were left scratching their heads on how to return 'one' to the station when he just didn't fit in the back seat.'

The new fleet of Commodores were introduced in April 2018 and have a sloping back that is halfway between a sedan and hatchback. 

Rear seat headroom was reduced by 13mm.

Police fleet management manager Robert Morgan said police were aware of the column in the magazine. 

'No complaints have been received from officers regarding this and police are not aware of any specific instances where there has been an issue,' Morgan said.

'However, following the magazine item we will be surveying frontline officers to understand the nature of any concerns or issues.'

Morgan said 157 Holden Commodore ZB Liftbacks had been deployed so far, out of a fleet of 3200. 

'These vehicles are purchased on an ongoing basis from Holden NZ and are rolled out at about 10 per week as part of an all-of-Government contract,' he said.

While the purchase price to police was commercially sensitive, the Commodore ZB retails online for $45,990. 

Holden has held the contract to supply cars to the police since 2006.

The contract was renewed in 2015 for another five years.