Shore patrol: The compact Mazda on trial, is ideal for Cheung Chau's tight alleys and promenades

Police can now respond more quickly on Cheung Chau thanks to a compact new patrol car being tested on the island where general vehicles are barred.

Islands District Councillors and Rural Area Committee members, along with scores of Cheung Chau folk, flocked to the ferry pier on October 26 to welcome the island's first police car, a small 1.3-litre Mazda 323 saloon, as it was unloaded from a barge. It features highly visible blue, red and white livery, with flashing lights and a siren like a regular patrol vehicle.

Not all residences on the island are accessible by car and the use of it will be restricted to safe roads and lanes. However, where part of the journey is by car, response times will be reduced.

Cheung Chau Divisional Commander Feline Li Wai-lin said the vehicle's introduction heralded a new era in police work for the Division.

"Residents and community leaders have been requesting the deployment of a patrol car. And with rapid population growth, other social changes and increasing demand for police services, the vehicle has been allocated here for a trial run with assistance from Police Headquarters and Transport Division," she said.

"It will reduce travel time to crime scenes, enlarge our patrol coverage, arouse crime prevention awareness and deter crime. It is hoped our services can be further upgraded and residents and tourists will feel more confident in our capability in maintaining the law and order of the island."

The five-seat vehicle is on trial for several weeks to test its effects on the daily life of the island. Ms Li said she called on residents to voice their views.

Community leaders welcomed the idea. Islands District Councillor Lee Kwai-chun said: "We have been longing for a Police car and finally we have got one. I am sure it will boost the sense of security of the residents and the efficiency of the Police here."

Cheung Chau Rural Area Committee Chairman Yung Chi-ming said: "The island will become a safer place with a Police car and there will be improved relations between the Police and the community. The great effort made by the Force is highly appreciated."

Lam Wing-keung, a Cheung Chau resident of over 50 years said: "With the Police car, officers can arrive at the crime scene immediately which means our lives and property will be better protected. It is certainly good for everyone on the island."

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