Commenting, the DUP South Antrim MLA said:
"Without a reliable and adequately resourced fleet, the PSNI's ability to respond rapidly and effectively to criminal activity is compromised.
The findings of the NIAO report published today confirm what the Democratic Unionist Party has been warning about for some time.
The PSNI's ageing vehicle stock, coupled with soaring repair bills and the organisation’s narrow focus on electric vehicles (EVs) without assurances about provision for necessary charging infrastructure, undermines an agile police response.
With auditors revealing that a fifth of the fleet was off the road at the time, we would reiterate the need for a comprehensive review of the PSNI’s handling of the rising number of ramming incidents targeting officers. This increase in dangerous and violent attacks has a direct and significant impact on the resources available to the PSNI, as well as on the safety and effectiveness of their operations. To make matters worse, the NIAO have found that the commissioning process for new vehicles is taking too long.
It is clear that this situation requires redress as a matter of urgency. I would call on the Chief Constable to work closely with the Department of Justice to explore all options to ensure the wherewithal exists to promote a modern and sustainable PSNI fleet moving forward.’’