The Origins of the Go-4 Interceptor: Why It Was Built
The Go-4 Interceptor was first introduced in 1990 by Westward Industries, a Canadian manufacturer specializing in compact utility vehicles. Unlike traditional enforcement vehicles, the Go-4 was purpose-built at the request of the City of New York to address a critical issue in urban parking enforcement: street lanes were not designed to allow for both traffic flow and a vehicle enforcing parking regulations.
The Need for a Specialized Enforcement Vehicle
Before the Go-4, parking enforcement officers primarily relied on standard sedans or walking patrols to issue citations. However, these methods had significant drawbacks:
Recognizing these challenges, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) sought a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle that could navigate tight spaces, improve enforcement efficiency, and allow officers to operate safely in congested streets.
The Design Philosophy
Westward Industries designed the Go-4 with three key priorities:
Early Adoption and Success
The first Go-4 models were quickly adopted by municipalities across North America, particularly in New York City, where they became a staple of traffic enforcement. Their ability to park next to violation vehicles and allow officers to issue tickets without exiting into traffic made them far more efficient than traditional enforcement methods.
The Go-4 Interceptor is a compact, three-wheeled utility vehicle designed for parking enforcement, security patrols, and municipal operations. Manufactured by Westward Industries, the Go-4 has been a staple in urban fleet management since the early 1990s, offering a nimble and efficient alternative to traditional enforcement vehicles.
Origins and Development
Westward Industries introduced the Go-4 in the early 1990s as a space-saving, fuel-efficient solution for cities needing specialized enforcement vehicles. With a width of only 52 inches, the Go-4 could navigate congested streets and tight parking areas far more effectively than standard patrol cars.
Cities like Seattle and San Francisco quickly adopted the Go-4 for their parking enforcement fleets, recognizing its ability to improve efficiency while reducing operational costs. The vehicle was designed with dual-side entry, allowing officers to exit safely onto the curb rather than into traffic.
Evolution of the Go-4 Models
Go-4 P35 (1990-1995)
The Go-4 P35 was one of the earliest models produced by Westward Industries. It featured:
The P35 laid the foundation for later models, proving the viability of a three-wheeled enforcement vehicle.
The original Go-4 Interceptor improved upon the P35 by introducing:
This model became widely used by municipalities across the U.S. and Canada, particularly in New York City, where it was deployed for traffic enforcement.
The Interceptor II, introduced in 2002, refined the design further:
This model was favored by private security firms and universities for campus patrols.
The Interceptor III, launched in 2008, marked a shift toward modernized enforcement vehicles:
This model was widely used in Aspen, Colorado, where parking congestion required a nimble enforcement vehicle.
The Interceptor IV, introduced in 2013, was the most advanced gasoline-powered model before the shift to electric:
This model was tested in Santa Monica, where it passed all range and usage requirements, leading to an immediate 30-unit deployment.
In response to growing demand for green fleet solutions, Westward Industries introduced the Go-4 EV in 2019. This all-electric variant features:
The Go-4 EV was tested in Santa Monica in 2019, where it passed all requirements for range and usage. Following successful trials, 30 units were ordered and deployed.
Municipal Use and Efficiency
The Go-4 is widely used by municipalities, universities, airports, and private security firms across North America. Studies have shown that parking-specific vehicles like the Go-4 are 42%–100% more efficient than conventional enforcement methods.
For example, in a study comparing enforcement times across 10 city blocks, the Go-4 significantly outperformed traditional vehicles:
This efficiency stems from the Go-4’s ability to park next to violation vehicles, reducing time spent walking between enforcement stops.
Private Ownership and Customization
While the Go-4 was originally designed for municipal use, private owners have increasingly embraced these vehicles for security patrols, personal transportation, and novelty projects. Some enthusiasts modify their Go-4s for higher speeds, though factory models are typically speed-limited to 45 mph.
Challenges for private owners include:
Despite these hurdles, the Go-4 remains a quirky and practical choice for urban commuting, with some owners repurposing them for food delivery, security patrols, and even personal projects.
Legacy and Future
The Go-4 remains a trusted enforcement vehicle across North America, used by municipalities, police departments, waste management agencies, and universities. As cities continue to prioritize efficiency and sustainability, the Go-4—especially its electric variant—will likely remain a key player in urban fleet management.