SMP chair, Cllr Carol Gustafson, said: "The Lancsafe scheme is a unique collaboration and partnership. We are pleased that major Merseyside organisations are assisting us in the drive to make Merseyside a safer place to live, work, invest and visit."
The new patrol car is bristling with modern communications technology providing links to the Merseyside force's new helicopter. Officers in the patrol car will be able to view images beamed directly from the helicopter as it hovers over incidents or pursues suspects along the road.
In addition, the car is fitted with new Automatic Number Plate Recognition software (ANPR) giving officers on the road instant access to information such as stolen vehicles and vehicles used to commit crime.
Others involved and supporting the Lancsafe Project include representatives of firms and businesses along the route, such as petrol retailers (BP/Shell and Caldo); major players from the leisure sector (Travel Lodge Group, Holiday Inn Group, Scottish & Newcastle Breweries) local Chambers of Commerce and business groups promoting crime prevention.
Cllr Gustafson added: "These are real partnerships working for a common cause, and the level of co-operation and determination between the partners is at the heart of the project's success to date.
"I, and members of Merseyside Police Authority, welcome the commitment of all involved to assist Merseyside Police to ensure the East Lancs Road is a safer environment for all, be they road users or businesses located nearby."
The innovative strategy is already attracting attention from other areas of the country, and a Best Practice Tool Kit is being prepared by the Lancsafe Team to assist other UK forces.
Superintendent Peter Clarke of Merseyside Police said: "The Lancsafe Project has proved to be a huge success.
"The Lancsafe Team is dedicated and professional and receives invaluable support from the business community and the public.
"This partnership, together with advances in technology and the availability of the new Jaguar patrol car, will help to make the A580 an even safer place for drivers, pedestrians, local residents and businesses."
