THERE might not be a shortage of chocolate, but there was plenty of eggs on faces after it emerged six of Victoria's 10 new booze buses won't be operational during the Easter and Anzac Day holidays.
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Electrical issues and concerns with air conditioning components are behind the removal of the smaller mobile booze and drug buses from Victoria's roads until at least the end of April.
Police have moved to assure road users a fleet of buses will still be patrolling the state over the upcoming holiday period.
A report on the issues involving mechanical, electrical components and air-conditioning will be prepared by April 30 and at this stage there is no timeframe on when the new buses, part of a $15 million investment, will be running.
In March, the State Government announced the final roll out of the 10 new buses just in time for the Labor Day long weekend.
"The force's ageing fleet has been replaced following a $15 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government, giving police greater flexibility and capacity in targeting offenders on our roads," the government spruiked on March 7 .
Concerns were raised about the safety of the buses by officers working on them in the last month.
Opposition spokesperson for police David Southwick said the sidelining of the buses could not come at a worse time.
"At a time when there's been a shocking spike in the road toll, Victorian lives could be placed at risk with these buses off the road," Mr Southwick said.
A spokesperson for Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the government, Victoria Police and the manufacturer were working though the issues.
"It is entirely appropriate that these custom-made vehicles are operationally tested and improvements made where needed, to ensure they can be fully utilised," the spokesperson said. "Victoria Police has advised that there will be no impact on road safety operations."
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