Police Department Goes Eco-Friendly

ARLINGTON—The Arlington Police Department has added an eco-friendly electric car to its fleet, with the help of a grant from the state's electric vehicle incentive program.

The Smart 4-2 will be seen around Arlington, and hopefully not next to your vehicle. The car will be used by the town's three parking enforcement officers beginning this week. According to Officer Corey Rateau, a Traffic Safety Officer with the department, the idea arose when the department's T-3, popularly known as a motorized scooter, was no longer street legal. The replacements would have been costly, and the stand up riding vehicle wasn't very comfortable.

Rateau said, "We went through the regular vehicle procurement process, but some on the list were more expensive. We found purchased the vehicle for $24,000, and I just submitted the paperwork. We'll get $7,400 back from the grant." Fully painted in Arlington Police Department decals, the 4-2 gets between 50 to 80 miles per charge, depending on outdoor temperature and speed. It plugs right into a wall outlet.

Image: Arlington Police Department