Sussex Police have introduced a specialist all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to patrol the Brighton coastline, specifically designed to navigate the heavy shingle where standard police cars cannot operate.
The vehicle entered service in September 2026, with its deployment timed to coincide with some of the busiest weeks for the city’s night-time economy, including Freshers’ Week and Spiking Awareness Week. The move aims to increase police visibility and improve response times on the beach during the late-night and early-morning hours.
Equipped with emergency blue lights and high-powered LED spotlights, the ATV allows officers to illuminate dark sections of the beach. According to the force, this capability is intended to deter crime and help officers locate vulnerable individuals who may be in need of assistance after dark.
Improving beach accessibility
Until now, patrolling the steep shingle of the Brighton seafront has largely been restricted to foot patrols, as traditional vehicles are prone to getting stuck. The new ATV provides a mobile platform that can cover the distance between the piers and the Marina more efficiently.
Brighton Divisional Commander Adam Hays said the vehicle helps illuminate areas where offenders previously thought they could hide. He noted that the increased mobility ensures that officers can reach incidents on the shingle much faster than on foot.
The Sussex Police initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure the seafront using a range of different technologies. Chief Inspector Dan Hiles stated that the ATV complements existing tactics, such as the use of drones and live facial recognition technology, to monitor and protect the public in high-footfall areas.
The deployment comes as police forces across the country increase focus on the safety of women and girls in night-time economy zones. By patrolling the beach shingle directly, the force aims to ensure that the coastline is not seen as an unpoliced space once the sun goes down.
