It is common knowledge that the illegal use of blue lights by criminals is becoming more prevalent. Such criminals pose as police or traffic officers and stop vehicles, robbing or even killing motorists.
It has also been noted lately that drivers of some politicians, which drivers do not fall into any categories below, are driving displaying a blue light that is illegal.
In terms of regulation 176 of the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996) no person shall operate a motor vehicle, which is fitted with a blue light, or in which is displayed a lamp or lamps emitting a blue light or capable of emitting a blue light, except it does not apply to:
* any vehicle driven by a member of the south african police service or a member of a municipal police service
* any vehicle driven by a traffic officer
* any vehicle driven by a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) authorised in terms of section 87 (1)(g) of the defence force in performing police functions.
All of the above may only use such blue lamps in the execution of his or her duties.
Traffic officers attached to the provincial Department of Transport, and local authorities through the province will embarked on “Operation Warning Lights” during the next few months. The warning also applies to taxi operators and marshals, and some funeral undertakers for illegally using orange lights. The act is very clear on who should use these lights and it is only the MEC responsible for traffic management who may grant permission to a person or institution to make use of orange lights.
Motorists are therefore warned to desist from displaying blue or orange lights on their vehicles or face harsh legal action. Motorist are also warned that where their vehicles is found to be illegally fitted with blue or orange lights their vehicles will be suspended from use on any public road and the these lights will be removed before such vehicle can be certified as roadworthy again.
Another serious concern is the great number of vehicles using the shoulders, also known as the emergency lane, to enable other vehicles to pass. Drivers are requested to follow the vehicle in front until the traffic markings or lines allow them to overtake one another. This is a serious offence and we warned both the driver using the shoulders illegally as well as the driver forcing others to make way for them just because they are in hurry and most instances just reckless.
Media contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 4422 388 or 082 562 6023
E-mail: ncedo.kumbacal@dot.ecprov.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
18 November 2009
