The sleek, redesigned Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department patrol vehicles are to begin hitting the highways early this week, said Col. Larry E. Harmel, chief of the MdTA police.

Part of an effort to boost department morale and safety, the redesigned cars will replace models older than three years, said Kerry Brandt, spokeswoman for the MdTA police.

The vehicles, which used to have a badge with the department's name in small print on the side doors, confused motorists, authorities said. The redesigned cars prominently display the department's name across the sides and backs of the cars, and display a patch on the front doors similar to the one on an officer's uniform shoulder.

The redesigned vehicles are black -- they are replacing white vehicles -- with reflective yellow-and-gray stripes to enhance nighttime visibility. They also match the officers' uniforms.

The cars are equipped with new safety features, including improved video-recording devices and stop sticks, which are laid in the path of a car to puncture its tires during a chase, Harmel said.

The MdTA provides law enforcement for the port of Baltimore, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, toll facilities and all of Maryland's tunnels and bridges, he said.

Pub Date: 3/22/99