Ariel Atom Becomes U.K. Police Force's Tool to Combat Speeding

The Ariel Atom will be used by the U.K. police force this summer in a campaign called Safe Rider that aims to combat speeding drivers and motorcyclists.

The 350bhp vehicle cost 38,000 pounds and can move up to 62 miles per hour in only 2.5 seconds, according to Express.

A variant model of the car currently holds the lap record at the test track for Top Gear.

The Atom is made by Ariel Atom Motor Company, which is made up of only seven employees and is based in the Somerset area, CNET reported.

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson recently described the vehicle as "one of the most beautiful cars in the world."

"The Atom is designed to be driven on a racetrack, where you can drive to your limits in safety and in a professional environment designed for the purpose," said Simon Saunders, director of Ariel. "The road really isn't the place to explore your or your vehicle's limits."

Officers are looking to use the Ariel Atom police car to promote safer riding among bikers, Express reported.

"I am really excited that Ariel has joined us to bring Project SAFER RIDER to fruition," said Andy Parsons, a Roads Policing Sergeant. Parsons is also heading the campaign.

There is an increase in motorcyclists on the road during the summer - seven motorcyclists have already died this year in Somerset. 20 percent of all deaths on roads in the U.K. involve bikers.

The campaign is also looking to reduce road collisions, which motorcyclists are 35 percent greater chance of getting killed in, Express reported.

"I hope that the use of the Ariel PL1 with have a positive impact to promote Road Safety in line with our PCC's Priorities, and help us to reduce road death and serious injury within the motorcycling community," Parsons said. "To be safe, rider and machine need to work in harmony. When this happens it feels immediately right. When it doesn't, things go wrong. Too many injuries and deaths are the result of rider error."

The new police car will be introduced to the public with other vehicles in Somerset on June 8th. The car will not, however, be used in operational duties.

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Police, United kingdom
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