Government has announced that legislation that governs the use of sirens and flashing lights will be expanded to cater for appropriate users including senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported yesterday.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who was at the time responding to questions raised by an opposition Member of Parliament in the Committee of Supply, yesterday morning, said, “All members of the diplomatic corps … are required to have the light, both on the vehicle of the Ambassador or the High Commissioner and perhaps on an escort vehicle … We have to tweak the legislation to take account of the changed situation, we have more traffic on the road and people can’t get to where they want in time, or when there’s a situation but we have to deal with that issue.”
The current law allows for emergency vehicles only, which comprise the police, fire service vehicles and ambulances. Any other vehicle fitted with such appliances is in breach of the law. However, due to increased traffic in the city, there are some instances where diplomats and senior government officials are allowed to use these appliances. Benn expressed worry that several persons are misusing these appliances.
“It has become unfortunate that through some stores in the city and other places …that police type lights are available for sale and people put them up and misuse them”, DPI said.
