Event date: 6 July 2021
When Ford and Holden announced an end to local manufacturing, the search was on for Victoria Police to replace the ubiquitous Falcon and Commodore. After detailed technical and commercial evaluations, combined with availability of BMW factory ‘police packs’, the BMW 530d joined the fleet. “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and “Sheer Driving Pleasure” are iconic tag lines forever linked to BMW. A natural fit for Victoria Police Highway Patrol to have BMW vehicles in the fleet.
At July’s Members’ Meeting, we were treated to an up-close and personal look at a Highway Patrol BMW 530d wagon, and a presentation from an officer who sits behind the wheel.
Victoria Police Highway Patrol have a roving brief for road law enforcement across the entire state. Mainstays of enforcement are random drug and alcohol tests, speed detection, mobile phone use, and recently COVID-19 compliance.
BMW’s advanced technology built into the 530d is a given. Equally advanced is the technology which makes this car fit for Highway Patrol duty: 2-way speed cameras (front and back), license plate recognition, specialist red and blue LED lighting, mobile fridge for drug samples, electronic roof-mounted signs with programmable messaging and much more. For those young enough to remember David Hasselhoff’s Knight 2000 Trans Am, the fit-out would make him blush. All up, the technology and kit to get a base 530d into Highway Patrol mode costs around $100 thousand, nearly as much as the car.
BMW deliver vehicles to Victoria Police with factory paint, and decals are applied locally. In BMW 2002 Turbo tradition, ‘Police’ is spelt backwards on the bonnet, so there is no doubt in the rear-view mirror about what is coming up behind you.
BMW 530d sedans, wagons and X5’s are in the fleet, together with vehicles from other brands which we won’t mention. Victoria Police lease the cars and turn them over after 90,000 kilometres.
The Highway Patrol officer shared a few war stories and dispelled a few myths. A driver caught doing 109km/h in a 100km/h zone, detected to be under the influence of many substances, and a menace to other road users. Some argue that isn’t too much over the limit, though you never know what is causing the behaviour. Another driver, caught at the lights head down in their mobile phone, despite a fully decked out Highway Patrol car pulling up next to them. Also, an emphatic no to the myth that speed enforcement is influenced by revenue raising.
An informative Q & A session wrapped up the presentation, followed by time to appreciate the 530d star of the show.
When you next see a BMW Highway Patrol car, admire the machinery, and know BMW play an integral part in safety for all road users.
Thanks to Victoria Highway Patrol for this behind-the-scenes look, and our hosts for the evening, Waverley BMW.
Jean-Dominique Abraham | Member #681
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
