NSW Highway Patrol will be using a new Daewoo BH090 built to particular specifications
The New South Wales Highway Patrol has taken delivery of a new Daewoo BH090 random drug and alcohol test unit.
The body was constructed by Gemilang Coachworks in Malaysia and the internal fit out was completed to the police specifications in Sydney.
This new vehicle will be operating throughout New South Wales at random locations in regional areas.
Asia Motors (Australia) director Bruce Campbell says this is not the first vehicle of its type by the company.
“We are capable of delivering specialist vehicles and have previously supplied a fire service command vehicle, mobile libraries and motorhomes,” he says.
“The motorhomes have mostly had bodies built by specialist motor home builders but occasionally clients specify a bus body shell and have them fitted out to their own specific requirements.”
This vehicle did not require much involvement on behalf of Asia Motors apart from the supply of the body work which was built by Gemilang in Malaysia to normal bus specifications, with the repositioning of the front door to behind the front steer axle and the additional door positioned forward of the drive axle.
“The front section, or crew amenities and driving area was finished and internally lined and air conditioned using Spheros air-conditioning,” says Campbell.
“An extra ISRI driver’s seat was fitted where the front step area would normally be if it were a bus.
“The rear area which is now the drug and alcohol test area was just an empty shell with no lining whatsoever.”
The fit out was done by a third party according to the police force specification and it included the fitting of a 240 volt diesel generator, stand by back up batteries that can supply enough independent power to maintain the test equipment, police communications equipment, a kitchenette, toilet and rest area for the crew.
Externally there is an awning and flood lighting for after dark operations.
“This is basically a standard Daewoo BH090 midi bus chassis with 198kw power driving through an Allison T350R transmission with retarder,” says Campbell.
“We have fitted a suspension rise to enable the vehicle to negotiate traffic calming devices and spoon drains that are often on rural roads.”
Campbell says the vehicle is in use and it could pop up anywhere in New South Wales.
“The feedback from the police is that they are delighted with its on road performance and ride comfort compared to vehicles they have been operating.”