Fleet profile
cars are souped-up to go faster,” Sykes laughs. “The truth is, it’s not speed that’s the issue – it’s stopping. Brakes, steering, and suspension components take a serious beating. We change brake discs and pads at almost every service.” Accidents are another regular reality. “We see multiple collisions every month across the fleet,” he says. “Some are our fault, some are members of the public’s fault, some are criminals’
fault, but the result is the same – more demand on the workshop, and crucially, on our over- stretched budgets!”
That’s why maintaining control over how and when maintenance happens is key. “Outsourcing might look cheaper short term, but long term it can slow us down and cost more,” Sykes says. “We’ve got a brilliant facility and the space to do things properly, so why wouldn’t we?”
The benefits of buying
Cheshire Constabulary’s strong, long-standing relationships with manufacturers allows it to purchase vehicles at significantly reduced rates, making buying more cost-effective than leasing. “We buy outright, maintain vehicles throughout their lifespan, and sell them at auction when they reach end-of-life. The money goes straight back into the fleet budget,” says Sykes.
Buying also enables customisation. About 50% of the fleet is converted into fully equipped police vehicles, while the rest are used as-is, primarily as unmarked GP cars. The force has a dedicated staff member managing conversions, a shift that has improved efficiency. Each conversion follows a detailed spec developed over the years, covering everything from upgraded brakes and Goodyear tyres to installing police technology like emergency lights, sirens, and control systems. To protect upholstery from wear, seat covers are fitted from day one, ensuring longevity because of all the equipment officers need to wear, which can cause damage over time.
A data-led approach
Every new vehicle in the fleet is fitted with telematics, enabling the team to track location and usage, and optimise efficiency. “Telematics have been one of our best investments,” says Sykes, allowing a data-driven approach to vehicle allocation based on real usage rather than default numbers.
“Our team handles everything except collision repairs which we currently outsource.”
An example of this was when under Boris Johnson the Police Uplift Programme meant over 300 new officers were added to Cheshire Constabulary without any extra funding for vehicles. “Telematics allowed the fleet to absorb
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