Ford’s new 5.0-tonne Transits are to be used as police riot vans across the UK in a major new fleet contract win.

The new deal, awarded following a national tender by BlueLight Commercial, will see 400 Ford 5.0-tonne Transits deployed over the next four years as riot vans

The flagship Transit launched late last year as Ford’s heaviest-rated and most capable van to date and the new deal, awarded following a national tender by BlueLight Commercial, will see 400 vehicles deployed over the next four years as ‘Protected Personnel Carriers (PPCs)’.

The conversion has been carried out by Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifying partner Safeguard SVP and draws on the new Transit’s heavier payload, which enables it to accommodate enhanced weight-bearing safety equipment on the roof, underbody and for parts including the fuel tank, radiator and exhaust. The vehicles also feature an under-bonnet fire suppression system and run-flat tyres.

Each van is capable of carrying up to 10 police officers, or nine if specified with the single-containment cell, which is either fixed or removable. Additional storage areas provide easy access to enforcement equipment, such as riot shields and personal protection equipment bags.

A specialist protective windscreen and side windows helps to protect the occupants of the vehicle if attacked, and mesh guards across the rear light clusters prevent further damage to the vehicle.

“Our business at Ford is to make our customers’ businesses thrive – in this case, the business is keeping our emergency services safe in the most hostile environments, and our new 5.0-tonne Transit is the perfect tool for the job” said Terry Adams, Ford blue light sales manager. “We’re absolutely delighted to win a four-year tender, placing Transit in a very important role for such an important organisation.”

All 5.0-tonne Transit variants are rear-wheel drive to enable optimum traction and are fitted with Ford’s HDT powertrain, teaming up a 170hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with up to 390Nm of torque and a six-speed manual gearbox or Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.