POLICE WARN AGAINST UNLAWFUL USE OF FLASHING LIGHTS
In recent times, it has been observed that public passenger vehicles, motorcyclists and to a lesser extent, other members of the motoring public, have been using lights—which are most often blue—in a manner that imitates emergency vehicles, especially the Police.
This represents a breach of the Road Traffic Act. The only persons who can lawfully use emergency lights are the police, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and ambulances. The Police use blue lights, while other emergency services use red lights.
In addition, having other vehicles using flashing lights may cause unwarranted confusion to road users and may allow criminal elements to deceive the public and impersonate the police and other emergency services.
The Police are therefore advising motorists to desist from the unlawful practice, as going forward, anyone found guilty of this will be prosecuted.
ACT AND STOP REMINDING
The police are repeating themselves on flashing lights as on so many other matters when what is required is action, including prosecution.
They know that motorists, especially minibus operators use flashing lights, mainly blue and some use them day and night. Some of the lights are mounted atop vehicles, others are wired into the electrical system flashing where indicators are and some are set under the vehicle flashing with a bounce back against the asphalted road surfaces.
This newspaper reported comments by ACP Glenford Hudson before the last elections reminding motorists that it was a breach to have these lights. They were seen all over the North Coast anyway. It’s not difficult to find these violators because their joy comes from having the lights going through the day on the highways and main roads. Perhaps the police should first tell their members it’s a breach that they need to prosecute. The public needs no reminders. We need action.
