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Scotland Yard set to spend £1.6m on Range Rover Vogues to respond to terror attacks

Scotland Yard is set to splash up to £1.6million on a new fleet of elite SUVs: Getty
Scotland Yard is set to splash up to £1.6million on a new fleet of elite SUVs: Getty

Scotland Yard is set to splash up to £1.6million on a new fleet of elite SUVs to beef-up protection of Royals, government ministers and high profile figures from terror attacks.

The force sought the deal for the extreme off-road Range Rover Vogues in the face of “the increased threat of terrorism”, documents reveal.

They will be deployed to expand the existing fleet of the Royalty and Specialist Protection group, which protects key individuals and guards addresses of VIPs.

Senior figures such as the Prime Minister and government ministers are often flanked by a team of highly trained close protection officers who are skilled in firearms use and advanced driving techniques.

Only qualified officers will be permitted to drive the new vehicles, which will be modified and fitted with specialist operational equipment.

The first vehicles are expected to be on the roads by autumn this year.

It means the Royalty and Specialist Protection group fleet will be boosted by up to 30 new Range Rover Vogues, 18 of which would replace existing vehicles to ensure the fleet is “fit for purpose” with the remainder increasing the overall number.

It comes after the force last year announced an extra 720 armed anti-terror police will be recruited.

Kate and William at hospital in a Range Rover after the birth of Prince George (Jeremy Selwyn)
Kate and William at hospital in a Range Rover after the birth of Prince George (Jeremy Selwyn)

Security in London has been heightened following the Westminster terror attack, in which Khalid Masood ploughed into pedestrians along Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death at the gates of Parliament.

The current terrorism threat level is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

In documents seeking approval to spend up to £1.6million, the force says the increased four-wheel capability is required as a “direct response to operational requirement to increase the protection fleet due to the increased threat of terrorism”.

Scotland Yard today said due to the vehicles being assigned for counter terrorism it could not comment in detail on their capability.

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey for the victims of the Westminster terror attack (Hannah McKay/Reuters)
Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey for the victims of the Westminster terror attack (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

But a spokeswoman said: “All vehicles are assessed for operational suitability to ensure they perform to the required standards and can carry the full range of operation equipment.

“Once in receipt of the vehicles they will have additional police equipment installed, for example Airwave radio and emergency warning equipment.

“Only Met employees who have undertaken the necessary driver training and familiarisation will be permitted to drive them. We anticipate these vehicles to enter operational service by autumn this year.”

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, welcomed the purchase. He said: “There’s a good reason why these cars are needed.

Police officers on duty on Westminster Bridge
Police officers on duty on Westminster Bridge

“They’re also important for tactical pursuit.

“We have seen in recent weeks why this sort of equipment is important. This goes along with all the equipment required to do the job correctly.

“It’s like having the correct body armour, the right guns and all the other equipment that goes with it. This is certainly something we welcome.”

The documents which detail the tender reveal the contract was awarded to Jaguar Land Rover after a “competitive tendering process”.

Show of strength: Two Jankel Guardians with Parliament in the background after the Westminster attack (AFP/Getty Images)
Show of strength: Two Jankel Guardians with Parliament in the background after the Westminster attack (AFP/Getty Images)

In response to its requirements, Audi offered the force the Q7 Quattro SE, Jaguar Land Rover put forward the Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport HSE and Mitsubishi offered the Shogun SG2 and Shogun SG3.

However, following analysis and testing the only vehicle which met the full requirements was the Vogue.

The document states: “Only one vehicle was found to meet all mandatory and desirable technical criteria and will fulfil all aspects of the role of a Response 4x4 Protection vehicle with extreme off-road capability.”

The Royalty and Specialist Protection group was formed in April 2015 with the merger of the Royalty Protection Command and the Specialist Protection Command following the Plebgate scandal.

Officers are engaged in protecting the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, certain government ministers, certain ambassadors and high profile figures.

Jaguar Land Rover declined to comment for confidentiality reasons.