Cops to curb misuse of beacon lights

After Ganpati festivities are over, the traffic police will crack down on people using beacon lights on cars although they are not allowed to. Megha Sood reports.

After Ganpati festivities are over, the traffic police will crack down on people using beacon lights on cars although they are not allowed to.

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On Monday, the traffic police posted a message on their Facebook page alerting people about the drive and requesting them to keep the police informed if they spot an unauthorised vehicle fitted with amber or red beacon lights.

Within an hour of the message being posted, 16 people commented on it. The police have been receiving complaints about the misuse of beacon lights.

Brijesh Singh, additional commissioner of police (traffic), said: “ We will start cracking down on vehicles misusing these lights.”

The Motor Vehicle Act allows only those vehicles that carry dignitaries as specified by the Central and State government to use beacon lights on vehicles. Some other categories of motor vehicles that require beacon lights for operational purposes are also allowed to use them. Violating the rules is a punishable offence.

The Maharashtra government has listed 25 dignitaries to be given cars fitted with red lights and have identified 11 senior officials for cars with amber beacon lights.

The rules also state that only 11 government officials are entitled to cars fitted with amber beacon lights. Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has also been given a vehicle fitted with amber beacon light.

The traffic police said many high-ranking officials have placed removable magnetic lights atop their vehicles and that is not allowed. Some people show off by placing beacon lights atop their vehicles.

Often, a minister, who is also a chairperson of a public sector firm, is given a second car. “This car is fitted with a red beacon light but is used by family for personal work,” an officer said.