Kildare Gardai get new wheels to police roads

The Garda Traffic Corps in the Kildare Division will be allocated one vehicle from this new fleet of Hyundai cars.

Kildare Gardai will use the high-powered car to help enforce road traffic laws across the county.

Older Garda vehicles are being taken out of service if they have reached their safe mileage limit.

BMW

Last year, Gardai were given high-powered 162-registered BMW 5 Series cars for the Regional Support Unit which acts as armed back up for operations around the country.

These vehicles cost around €70,000 each and are designed to take up the fight against highly mobile gangs carrying out crimes in rural areas.

The Garda fleet has been criticised in the past for being too old and not fast enough to pursue criminals in stolen luxury cars.

These BMW cars have a maximum speed of 145 mph or 233 km per hour.

Audi

Last year Gardai also hit the road with Audi Q7 four-wheel drives which have a top speed of 137 mph or 220 km per hour.

Ford 

In recent years, Traffic Gardai have been using Ford Ranger pick-up trucks to enforce road traffic laws on the roads.

The four-door Ranger has greater control and safety on all types of roads and can also drive through floods.

It has a 80-litre fuel tank and towing capacity ranging up to 3,500 kg.