Blue-light tragedy calls for action

I REFER to the ZO Opinion piece titled ‘Blue-light tragedy calls for action’ (28 March edition).

The article has been well written and I certainly agree with the comments encapsulated therein, especially in regard to legislation being enforced to prevent future such catastrophes.

The use of blue lights and the accompanying brigades was in the not too distant past never a point of discussion because it was not allowed and it was commonly accepted that only law enforcement authorities such as the SAPS and road traffic officers were permitted to use blue lights.

National Parliamentarians and respective Members of Provincial Legislatures, including Administrators, seldom if ever had a need to utilize blue light brigades to accompany them.

It has now become a common phenomenon and somewhat of a status symbol.

There are the few exceptions which are accepted and acknowledged when executed responsibly.

As mayor for 15 years of both a local and district municipality I never once saw the need or had the desire to utilize blue lights in the mayoral vehicle or have escorts as has become a common practice.

It was only owing to pressure of work that during the last six months of my term of office I utilized the services of a temporary driver and prior to this I used to cope by simply driving myself for the more than 14 years.

It all relates to good planning of all schedules and timeous departures to respective venues, and even if one expects to be late there is still no excuse whatsoever to utilize blue light brigades as is so commonly done to make up time, a fact of which is borne out by the host of media reports.

The MEC for Provincial and Local Government required Councils to acknowledge by way of resolutions that municipal office bearers were not equipped with nor have blue lights in their vehicles, as it is not permitted, but it is common knowledge that many still to this day have blue lights.

Other road users enjoy equal rights to all roadways and there can be no justification in being shoved off the road by inconsiderate drivers and security officers driving these flashing vehicles at speeds, in most instances exceeding the speed limits.

The utilization of blue lights just does not give anybody the right to exceed the prescribed speed limits and this condescending behaviour must in the interest of all stop rather sooner than later.

Don’t abuse your authority to the detriment of innocent, law abiding citizens.

ALD. STAN LARKAN