Nerja's Local Police incorporates three 100% electric patrol vehicles with defibrillators, funded entirely by €141,899 from NextGenerationEU.
The Nerja Local Police has taken a major step towards modernization and sustainability. On Friday, Mayor José Alberto Armijo officially presented the three new units that will immediately join the municipal security service. These new patrol cars are fully electric and come equipped with semiautomatic external defibrillators (DESA), allowing officers to act as first responders in cardiac emergencies on public roads.
The investment of exactly €141,899.12 was entirely financed by European NextGenerationEU funds, channeled through the Destination Sustainable Tourism Plan under Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. Councilor for Security Francisco Arce detailed the impact on the force's operational capacity. With these additions, the active fleet now consists of nine patrol cars, six motorcycles, and two large vans specialized in transporting road signage and urban furniture.
Armijo stressed that this boost not only strengthens the department's material resources but also directly aligns with the municipality's ecological transition policies. By using zero-emission engines, the local force will ensure more efficient and environmentally friendly active surveillance on the town's streets. The deployment aims to optimize daily patrol shifts and improve response rates to both residents' needs and the large number of tourists visiting Nerja this season.
This initiative positions Nerja among the first municipalities in the Costa del Sol Oriental to electrify its police fleet. Other towns in the region have begun similar transitions, but Nerja's investment is notable for being fully funded by European grants. The local authorities concluded the presentation by affirming that renewing the officers' equipment will remain a budget priority to maintain the town's safety standards.
The new vehicles are already in service, patrolling the streets of Nerja. Citizens can expect faster response times and enhanced emergency care thanks to the onboard defibrillators. The council plans to continue updating the fleet with sustainable options as part of its long-term environmental strategy.
"This acquisition not only strengthens our means but also aligns with our ecological transition policies," said Mayor Armijo. "We are committed to providing our police with the best tools while caring for the environment."
Councilor Arce added that the electric patrol cars significantly reduce the carbon footprint of daily policing operations. The use of silent engines also allows for more discreet approaches when necessary. With a total of nine patrol cars, the force can now cover all shifts without gaps, improving overall security in the coastal town.
The NextGenerationEU funding required the project to meet strict sustainability criteria. Nerja's application highlighted both the environmental benefits and the increased safety from the defibrillators. The vehicles are connected to the local emergency services network, ensuring that any cardiac arrest victim receives immediate attention while awaiting paramedics.
Nerja, which receives millions of tourists annually, sees this modernization as crucial for maintaining security during peak seasons. The new fleet also includes enhanced communication systems integrated with the regional police database. Future expansions may include more electric vehicles for other municipal departments.
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