Blue Lights Abuse Must Come to an End

Statement by Robin Carlisle, Minister of Transport and Public Works

On Friday, 21 June 2013 the Draft Regulations on Restrictions on the Use of Lamps Emitting a Blue Light and Use of Sirens were published in the Provincial Government Gazette and open for public comment for a period of 30 days thereafter. During this time, members of the public are encouraged to submit written representations or objections on the proposed regulations.

Section 2 of the Draft Regulation states that, “a person may not operate or instruct any other person to operate –

1. A motor vehicle in which an office bearer or VIP is being transported; or
2. A motor vehicle escorting or accompanying a motor vehicle referred to in (a), on a public road while –
   1. An intermittently flashing blue light is being emitted from a lamp fitted to that motor vehicle; or
   2. A siren fitted to that motor vehicle is being used,

Unless there is an imminent identified threat regarding the safety or life of the office bearer or VIP, or there is a threat of damage to the property of the office bearer or VIP.

“This regulation is in line with the National Road Traffic Act, enabling office bearers and VIPs to make use of vehicles fitted with blue lights and sirens.

“We have seen the abuse of blue light brigades by said office bearers and VIPs in the past, tantamount to a disregard for the rule of law and a threat to the safety of other road users. As per the draft regulations, office bearers and VIPs may not make use of blue lights or sirens on their vehicles or vehicles escorting them, unless the situation is one that constitutes a case of emergency,” said Minister Carlisle.

“Failure to comply with this regulation would result in the office bearer or VIP being subject to a fine or imprisonment. We cannot continue to have the safety of other road users threatened unnecessarily by the use of blue lights and sirens in non-emergency situations,” added Minister Carlisle.

Interested parties are invited to make their submissions on the regulation within 30 days of publication:

Any enquiries in connection with the Provincial Notice should be directed to Mr ML Watters:

Tel: 021 483 2419

You can access the Regulations on the Western Cape Government website.