UK Coppers Watch Their Nickels
I may have mentioned before (or you may have read about it) that the UK is undergoing a huge austerity program. In order to balance the UK’s books, massive spending cuts are being implemented. But in order to secure votes, the Conservative government (along with the Liberal Democrats) pledged that the NHS would not suffer these cuts in budgets. Wow! A right wing government actually PROTECTING nationalized healthcare? Those crazy Europeans! So this means that other facets of government spending are going to be hit hard. Very hard. In particular, the police. Greater Manchester Police won’t be hiring any new recruits for 2 years in order to save money. That’s how hard we’re talking. So any opportunity to save money will be welcome. Enter a bunch of South Koreans…
Honestjohn.co.uk reports that after a 2 year long process, Hyundai has now been awarded the “preferred supplier” status by the National Association of Police Fleet Managers. The new contract awarded will allow UK police forces to buy Hyundai vehicles. It’s pretty difficult not to see why the UK police force would not go with Hyundai. They’re reliable, well equipped and have that lovely 5 year warranty. But above all, they’re cheap. Which will please the UK police accountants. Tony Whitehead, Managing Director of Hyundai UK, said “Anyone buying a car needs to make sure that they are getting the best possible package for their money. That’s especially true when you are buying thousands of vehicles and spending taxpayers’ money. The quality, reliability resale value and performance of Hyundai vehicles has shone through and they’ve been given the green light to carry a blue light.” Ugh! Don’t you just hate corporate people cracking jokes?
However, there’s one group of people who won’t be happy at this decision. Workers at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. You see, they make the Vauxhall Astra, which is used by Police forces currently. If, as predicted, Police forces up and down the country, start switching to Hyundais, this may cause a problem for the workers at Vauxhall. Problems like “Here’s your P45, see you later.” The country’s trade deficit widens (those Hyundais aren’t made in the UK) and the government now has more unemployed people on their books to look after in terms of unemployment benefits. But hey, at least Police forces saved a few pounds on their cars…
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What does this actually mean? Hyundai are now on 'The List'. It doesn't mean any of the BiB are going to be doing business in them. More of our boys in Vauxhalls and Jags is where I am. Manchester politburo just received a kicking by rejection (public ballot) of a toll road program so any cutbacks can be considered as poor planning on behalf of those who expected it to go through when no-one wanted it. TTAC!
I think buying the cops Toyota Prius's, Smart Cars or small Kias would be good for their egos, and probably drastically improve their attitude toward the public. Put governors on the cars with a top speed of 60 mph, then they wouldn't need the BOF monstrosities. Dock any damage to the car, justified or not, out of their pay. Require videotaping both inside and outside of the car, of every move that the cop makes. Any failure to do so would require dismissal of the charges. Hook them up to a lie detector when they testify in front of a jury, and inform the jury of the running results. Before they can use their weapons, require a warrant issued by a neutral magistrate only upon clear and convincing evidence.