WA authorities want mandatory engine immobilisers and GPS trackers fitted in all new cars to help fight terrorism and reduce dangerous chases on suburban roads.

The WA Police Union revealed it planned to lobby the Federal Government to force Australian vehicle manufacturers to install the technology in all new vehicles, with Union president George Tilbury saying police around Australia supported the idea and believed it would make a “significant difference”.

He said manufacturers of high-end vehicles already had the ability to immobilise a vehicle remotely.

“What we will be seeking is police, in certain circumstances, where a vehicle needs to be stopped, will be able to make a call to the manufacturer or another point to ask that the particular vehicle be disengaged remotely,” he said.

He believed systems could be set up to ensure police had someone to contact in an emergency who could quickly organise for a vehicle to be stopped.

“Some incidents are over very quickly but there is a lot of intelligence, particularly in the terror-related field, where certain circumstances would warrant action being taken to prevent an incident taking place,” he said. “Also in police pursuits, some do go for an extended period of time and we believe that if the right processes are put in place and the ability to contact someone to make that instant decision is available, it will make a significant difference.”

The plan has the backing of Police Commissioner Chris Dawson and Police Minister Michelle Roberts and they said their State and Territory counterparts were also supportive.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said pursuits put both police officers and members of the community at risk.

“All of us have seen the tragic results of crashes that have occurred when someone is absconding from police – travelling at high speeds, going through red lights, travelling on the wrong side of the road – when you have a vehicle doing that it’s a hazard to everyone,” she said. “Innocent lives have been lost because of that and it is dangerous for police to pursue those vehicles. “Technology is going to be a solution in terms of policing and safer policing and a safer community.”

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said while privacy must be considered, the overall scheme being contemplated aimed to provide a safer environment for the community.

Mr Tilbury said the Queensland Police Union had already written to the Prime Minister about a month ago on the issue but had not yet received a response.