Serbian police vehicles are largely poorly equipped or unsafe, Belgrade radio B92 reported on Thursday, citing a study of police unions.

"More than fifty percent of police cars do not have adequate equipment... many vehicles do not have a first-aid, jack, spare wheel ... and that almost no one pays attention," said Momcilo Vidojevic, chairman of the Independent Police Union of Serbia.

According to Ministry of Internal Affairs, about one-third of its 9,500 vehicles are not road-worthy. Winter tires would be required on an estimated 4,000 patrol vehicles, at an estimated cost of 1.5 million euros.

"Perhaps the problem is money, tenders or something similar," according to a statement by the Police Union of Serbia. "It is unacceptable that the police officers punish drivers who do not have winter equipment, namely proper winter tires, while violating the same law."

Reportedly, the situation also poses a safety risk in mountainous and snowy regions as well as a problem with credibility for police officers themselves. Endi

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