More than 172 crashes involving Tayside police vehicles have taken place in just five years — within their own stations.
Figures obtained by the Tele show that since December 2010, the smashes have caused £45,479 of damage, although Police Scotland insist none of the vehicles were written off.
In total, 79 police vans, 71 cars, 17 4x4s, three mobile offices, a minibus and a motorbike have been in smashes.
Perth Police Office saw the highest number of crashes, totalling 30, followed by 25 at Dundee’s Bell Street, 24 at Baluniefield, three at Ryehill and three at Lochee.
One of the most recent incidents happened at Baluniefield on November 11 when a van needed repairs.
The most expensive collision also took place at Baluniefield on January 28 2015 when a van required £2,399 of work.
Despite the costs, the force said no one was hurt in any of the incidents.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “There has been a reduction in collisions on police property in Tayside this year when compared with previous years.
“All of our drivers pass a police driving test in addition to holding a full driving licence before driving a police vehicle and, thereafter, are regularly required to complete further road safety driver training. All new vehicles to our fleet have the highest safety standards, which includes being fitted with reversing sensors, anti-skid and electronic stability control systems.
“We have a comprehensive reporting and review process in relation to every collision involving a police vehicle to ensure that any additional training requirements can be assessed.
“Above all, it is important that our drivers continue to maintain the highest possible standards whilst responding to the unique demands of the role.”
The cost of the crashes has remained fairly consistent as in 2012, £7,375 of damage was caused by crashes within police stations, compared to 2015’s total of £7,386.
Eben Wilson, director of Taxpayer Scotland, said: “It would be so easy to save taxpayer’s money by putting in procedures that would remind officers that getting in and out of the police station needs be done as carefully as driving on any road.
“It’s dismaying that professional drivers have not taken on an attitude of mind that would make these instances disappear through proper attention to good practice.”