The Oklahoma Highway Patrol announced on Tuesday that it will cut costs by limiting the distance troopers drive during their shifts.
Troopers -- who normally travel an estimated 150 miles to 200 miles a day -- will be restricted to 100 miles a day starting Dec. 1, according to The Tulsa World.
Flying hours for the agency's aircraft also have been reduced to save money.
The new reductions are added to the current trooper hiring freeze, voluntary buyouts and decision not to fill certain positions.
"These cuts are difficult but necessary in order for DPS (Department of Public Safety) to make it through fiscal year 2017," Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael C. Thompson said. "I am very optimistic that the upcoming legislative session will address the budget needs of public safety, a core function of government, to allow DPS and the OHP to meet the needs of people in Oklahoma. It is imperative that we fix this."
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Chief Ricky Adams said that the driving restriction means it will take longer for a trooper to respond to a call if it isn't an emergency.
