Electric cars mark a move into modern times for the police force.

Two cars and a van, on loan from Nissan, are playing a key role in three month trials taking place in Surrey.

The 100 per cent electric cars will be made to look like other vehicles in the current fleet, and will be used by neighbourhood officers and PCSOs, although not to respond to emergencies or pursuits.

Police will examine how useful and effective they could be in policing, while assessing how much cheaper they are be to run and maintain.

Kevin Hurley, police and crime commissioner for Surrey, said: "Moving with the times and starting to use new technologies like electric cars will help save cash and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

"All credit to the bright sparks in the police and at Nissan for making it happen."

The vehicles can be driven for more than 100 miles in between charges, cost two pence per mile to run and can be charged in 30 minutes.

Dennis Ord, head of transport for Surrey and Sussex Police, said: "Over the coming years parts of our fleet will need to be replaced and it could be that vehicles such as this could form an important part of our day-to-day activities."