POLICE are to wash their cars with rainwater collected off the station roof as part of a scheme aimed at making the force more environmentally friendly.

Lancashire Constabulary, which spends around £2.7million a year on energy, water consumption, vehicle fuel and waste disposal, is one of the first forces in the country to launch a green strategy.

Force bosses have admitted that implementing the project over the next two years could be costly but have stressed that going green is about more than saving cash.

The main aims of the scheme are to protect the environment, comply with environmental legislation and improve cost effectiveness.

Keen environment campaigner Gordon Prentice MP hailed the scheme as a first and was delighted with the initiatives put in place.

Police will be encouraged to collect rainwater from roofs for washing cars, told to use recycled paper, not buy CFC products, turn off lights when not in use, use electronic media instead of paper and recycle waste. Civilian staff will be told to share car journeys to work or use public transport wherever possible and some will be encouraged to work from home where appropriate.

Ground staff will be told to use environmentally-friendly weed and vermin control and take care of trees and hedgerow.

Other measures will include replacing kettles with fixed water heaters, which are more economical and using long-lasting light bulbs.

The force will also trial a fleet of four dual-fuel (LPG-petrol) cars for beat patrol duties, replacing the diesel models. If the trial is successful the whole fleet may be converted.

Existing cars will use low-sulphur 'city' petrol and diesel.

The force will employ an energy manager to develop energy efficiency.

Anne Harling, the force's capital projects officer, said the strategy was probably one of the first complete packages by a police force in the country -- the Metropolitan Police already have a similar scheme in place.

"It's very much a starting point for the constabulary, raising awareness and acknowledging there are many areas where progress can be made," she said.

Many of the initial costs of replacing outdated equipment will be met through efficiency savings and from existing budgets.

Last year Lancashire Constabulary spent £900,000 on energy, £200,000 on water and £75,000 on waste disposal.

"We are going to look into many of the areas in more detail and do more detailed analysis on the cost implications," said Mrs Harling.

"If there are savings to be made in some areas those will offset any cost implications but, unfortunately, it is a fact of life these days that short payback periods on environmental schemes are not there any more."

Labour MP for Pendle Gordon Prentice, said: "This is very good thinking, I have never heard of anyone recycling rainwater to wash their cars, I wouldn't be surprised if they were the first in England.

"The boys and girls in blue have turned green and they deserve a pat on the back. Lancashire Police are clearly leading the way. We have to seriously think about preserving the environment and it's good that the police are thinking laterally."

On average the force vehicles each travelled more than 13,700 miles at 30mpg. The Range Rovers used by the motorway police have already been replaced by the more efficient and more reliable Mercedes ML320s.

Improving environmental performance is included in the force's Mission Statement which reads: "Lancashire Constabulary is committed to minimising the impact on the environment resulting from its operational activities. All staff will contribute to the Chief Constable's lead in achieving high environmental standards."

The success of the strategy will be monitored by the production of annual performance indicators and an annual progress report.

Each division will appoint someone responsible for overseeing the aims of the scheme and staff will be informed of the strategy through a marketing campaign and via the force website.