Nearly 40% of the Highway Patrol’s enforcement fleet has more than 100,000 miles, making the vehicles unsafe.
“These cars are a Trooper’s most important tool of the trade but the aging fleet puts the officer and the motoring public at risk,” said Public Safety Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz.
Earlier this week, Governor Phil Bryant announced the sale of the state jet and wants to earmark the funds for 78 new vehicles for MHP.
“I am pleased that we have turned what was a non-essential expense into much-needed funding that can be directed to a priority area such as the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” said Gov. Bryant.
MHP has 317 enforcement vehicles and 123 have more than 100,000 miles on them. A Trooper travels an average of 3,500 miles per month. Another 15 have in excess of 90,000 miles.
“We are grateful to the Governor and all those involved in the effort to make funds available to replace our aging fleet of vehicles,” added Santa Cruz. “In these difficult economic times, Governor Bryant has demonstrated the necessary vision to seek alternative financing for vital equipment.”
In addition to routine patrols, Mississippi will participate for the 11th year in the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign in May. These increased enforcement efforts underscore the need for dependable cars to continue the reduction of injuries and deaths on Mississippi’s roads and highways.
“It is of paramount importance to furnish our Troopers with the best quality equipment and tools in the day to day operation of the Patrol,” said MHP Colonel Donnell Berry. “We have made great strides recently to improve safety on our roads and highways but more needs to be done, clearly this is another step in the right direction. We are thankful for the Governor’s efforts and the efforts of others to provide updated equipment for our officers.”
