Traffic Police revisit BMW as highway patrol choice

The Traffic Police is buying a fleet of BMW sedans for highway patrol duties - the first time the German brand will be used since the late 1990s. A BMW 3 Series was spotted at a police facility in full Traffic Police livery. Believed to be a 325d - a turbodiesel - and one of eight cars, the BMW will replace old Subaru WRXes.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a police spokesman said, "The Traffic Police procures new expressway patrol cars periodically as part of its vehicle replacement programme, as well as to enhance its operational capabilities and effectiveness. These new expressway patrol cars will replace the older models and should be ready for patrol duties by early 2019."

According to archives, the Traffic Police used BMW cars in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1999, it took delivery of eight Volvo S40 turbos for highway patrol duties. Then in 2005, it bought Subaru WRXes. BMW would not comment, citing confidentiality clauses in the purchase agreement.