The Police Service of Northern Ireland is grappling with a shortage of mechanics that has left about 280 vehicles, or more than 10% of its fleet, out of service on an average day. Assistant Chief Officer Mark McNaughten told a Policing Board meeting that the force employs only 60% of the mechanics it needs, despite efforts to recruit and retain staff.

McNaughten said the PSNI currently operates around 2,600 vehicles, with a target of 90% availability. The actual figure hovers at 89%, meaning roughly 280 vehicles are sidelined for repairs, servicing or damage at any time. Front-line marked cars average about four years old, but armoured vehicles can be up to 14 years old, pushing the overall fleet age to roughly six years.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher separately told the board there is an urgent but unfunded need to replace public order vehicles and the ageing air fleet. McNaughten confirmed that no money is available this year to replenish the public order fleet. The Chief Constable is pressing the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster for funds, particularly for specialist vehicles that reflect the region’s unique circumstances.

The PSNI has taken steps to address the mechanic shortfall, including a regrading exercise, faster vetting, reviews of allowances, and expanded apprenticeships. But McNaughten said the underlying problem is a lack of resources and investment in a fleet that is larger and older than desired for efficiency.