Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders says grey police cars 'very identifiable'

There may be new Toronto police cruiserson the streets, but some residents say they can't see them.

• Toronto police unveil new cruiser colour scheme, downplay visibility concerns

The new colour scheme grey cars with black and white lettering has been said tomaskwhat's oftenthe most visible signal of a police presence in the community.

Chief Mark Saunders, who took responsibility for the change in a Metro Morninginterview onMonday, said there was"no deep thought" that went into the changing of the colour scheme.

Instead, it was a typical decision involving police operations, something that falls under his jurisdiction rather than that of the police board.

Saunders said police tested several variations before he settled on the new grey cruisers.

When asked about concerns that have been raised about thevisibility of the new cruisers, the chief saidthere's a clear difference between the grey vehicles and the stealth cars.

"The car is very identifiable," he said, noting that the white markings arereflectiveand theroofs are marked by an unmistakable set of coloured lights.

Saunders said he did not consult the police board when making the changebecause he isresponsible for decisions involving the force's operations.

While he acknowledged there may have been some negative reaction on social media, he said he's received plenty of positive feedback about the new design.

The new cars will replace the existing fleet over the next four years as vehicles come to the end of their life cycle.