Brakes checked on police cars

"Brake fade" has led to a check on police cars

Checks are being made on the brakes of high-speed police cars, officers have admitted.

Volvo announced the investigation into its V70 T5 estate models after Gloucestershire Constabulary reported a problem.

Police said that "brake fade" on the force's fleet of seven vehicles had been experienced after prolonged periods of high-speed driving.

The vehicles, normally used for patrolling the M5, are still being used for routine work at lower speeds.

We would stress that during normal routine patrol there is no concern

Gloucestershire Police

A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said: "We are working with Volvo engineers to try to establish the cause of some brake fade.

"It has not been established at this stage if there is a fault and we are awaiting further advice from experts at Volvo.

"Until further information is available from Volvo, police officers using the V70 T5s are subject to speed restrictions.

"The speed restrictions have been imposed to ensure both the safety of officers and the public.

Motorway patrols

"We would stress that during normal routine patrol there is no concern whatsoever over the braking system on this vehicle."

Volvo UK spokesman John Lefley said: "Volvo engineers based in the UK have visited Gloucestershire Constabulary.

"They inspected the V70 T5 police cars which have been reported as demonstrating brake fade."