If you felt there was something different about the police car that just went by, you might have been rumbled.
A new type of vehicle siren - the rumbler siren - has been trialled in Auckland City District since last year.
It emits a low-frequency noise, two or three octaves below the standard siren, creating vibrations which allow people in the vicinity to feel the approach of a police vehicle as well as hear it.
Police is seeking community feedback on the idea before any decision is made on whether more rumblers will be installed.
Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Auckland City District Commander, says the aim is to improve safety by giving members of the public more warning that a police vehicle is approaching, particularly in busy CBD streets.
“Everyone recognises a siren when they hear it but the rumbler siren offers another layer of warning and protection for road users and pedestrians,” says Karyn.
“It’s all about community safety at a time when our streets are busier than ever and there are more distractions than ever for pedestrians.”
She says she recently saw the potential risks first-hand when she was waiting at a red light and heard the siren of an approaching police vehicle. She then saw a pedestrian waiting to cross, looking at his phone and wearing earphones.
“He got the green cross light just as the police car was approaching and he just stepped on to the road to cross, right in front of it,” she says.
"While he looked up at the pedestrian lights, he didn’t check for traffic and he clearly couldn’t hear the siren over his earphones. Thankfully the car was driving very slowly through that red light and was able to stop. My heart was in my mouth.”
Public Safety Team staff who have used the rumbler in Auckland CBD have seen positive results.
“There's a noticeable response in the public’s reaction to police vehicles," one staff member noted. "Public move out of the way quickly and at a considerable distance ahead, providing the ability to travel safely to jobs.”
Rumbler sirens were developed in the United States, where they have been in use since 2007. They have been introduced elsewhere, including New South Wales and Singapore. Medical services including the Wales air ambulance have adopted them.
If you would like to offer feedback on the rumbler siren, contact Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones via email; dylan.hannah-jones@police.govt.nz.