HEADS were left turning in Weymouth when Dorset Police tested out a new electronic stand-up vehicle.

Members of Dorset Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team in Weymouth were given the chance to test out a demo version of the three-wheeler Raptor 2.0.

The road legal vehicle has been designed for law enforcers to operate safely and efficiently in almost any surroundings.

But following a trial, police in Weymouth have decided it's not for them.

The makers of the vehicle envisage the vehicle being used by police forces around city centres, airports and events.

Earlier this year it was revealed how Sussex Police had borrowed two Raptor vehicles for use in the terminal buildings of Gatwick Airport.

PCSOs use them to respond to calls faster and it enhances police visibility, according to the force.
The vehicle has a maximum speed of 25mph and can operate in both pedestrian areas and road traffic situations.

Weymouth Police Safer Neighbourhood Team posted photos of the vehicle to its Facebook page.
Reaction to the vehicle was mixed but thanks to likes, shares and comments, the original post is thought to have reached more than 36,000 people.
 
Weymouth Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Browning said: “Dorset Police frequently trials and considers a number of products, offered for free by a range of companies, with no obligation to buy.

“Members of the public may have noticed that the Raptor has recently been trialled in the Weymouth area by our Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“There are many positive outcomes of this trial, not least, the community engagement and online interaction that came about as a result of it.

“We are always keen to hear the views of members of the public and I’d like to thank the community for voicing their opinions on this matter.

“Having carried out the trial, it’s been decided that although the Raptor can be utilised in a number of situations, it is not operationally viable to use in Weymouth and the surrounding area.”