Action against hooters, beacon lights

FLAUNTING HOOTERS and beacon lights atop vehicles may prove costly to people who are not authorised for the same. Cops are now taking action against such law-breakers following directives issued by the State Government. Even those authorised to use the beacon lights and hooters cannot do so in private vehicles now. Vehicles provided to them by the government are only authorised to carry hooters and beacon lights.

FLAUNTING HOOTERS and beacon lights atop vehicles may prove costly to people who are not authorised for the same.

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Cops are now taking action against such law-breakers following directives issued by the State Government. Even those authorised to use the beacon lights and hooters cannot do so in private vehicles now. Vehicles provided to them by the government are only authorised to carry hooters and beacon lights.

Defaulters are punishable under section 179 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, says inspector traffic Sushil Kumar Singh.

Police action comes in the wake of a sensational incident in the State capital on Tuesday evening. Five identically dressed youth riding a Gypsy sent ripples in the corridors of power after they drove a CO perched on the bonnet of their vehicle for nearly two kilometres. The officer had stopped the five brothers and was questioning them over the use of unauthorised gadgets in their vehicle when suddenly one of them started the engine. Seeing the young man trying to flee, the officer stood in front of the vehicle but had to save his life by taking a leap on the bonnet after the driver appeared to be in the mood of crushing him down.

However, the cops initially made an effort to water down the incident but were reportedly forced to take action by arresting the youth following media pressure.

Commenting on the follow-up action, a police officer said, the incident in the State capital had to happen. It is simply mind-boggling to see every Tom, Dick and Harry claiming himself a leader of the ruling party flaunting the party flag and trying to assert his authority as if he was above law. Even a number of police and administrative officials were defying law, he admitted. Even members of the judiciary allowed to carry the beacon are supposed to do so in their official cars only and not in private vehicles, said the traffic inspector.

"Though quite late, it is a step in the right direction," said another cop but the axe should fall on the high and mighty who usually go scot-free. "If they are left in this drive without being punished the practice will flourish again," he said.

Then there appears to be the growing tendency to have a plate of the designation. This is not allowed in every case. There is a marked category of officials including judges, who alone are entitled to have the number plates of their designation.," he added.