Two coloured cars - one orange and one red - had already generated ''huge interest'' from local and tourist drivers, acting district road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Larking said.
''Part of the Southern district's road policing strategy is ensuring we maintain a highly visible presence on Southland and Otago roads using both marked, unmarked patrol cars and speed-camera vans as we work to prevent road trauma.
''One of the most visible aspects is now the introduction of different coloured patrol cars in each of the 12 police districts ...
''We always want to raise awareness about safety on our roads and promote discussion about road safety.''
Snr Sgt Larking said June was one of the highest risk crash months in the Southern region, driven by the extra risks associated with winter driving and the new, brightly coloured vehicles would be another tool to raise awareness of the need to drive safely.
The vehicles would be used throughout the district but mostly on routes where there are higher traffic flows.
''Most police will continue driving their standard white patrol cars, but they're now being joined by colleagues behind the wheel of red and orange vehicles - you'll need to be prepared to encounter police not only anywhere, any time, but in any colour on our roads.''
