Desist from putting illegal beacon lights: traffic cops

TRAFFIC police have warned motorists to desist from putting beacon lights on their vehicles saying only authorised vehicles are allowed to do so.

Officer Commanding National Traffic (Administration) Assistant Commissioner Kenny Mtombeni yesterday said many motorists were taking advantage of the beacon lights and committing various offences linked to policing.

He said according to the road traffic regulations statutory instrument 154/2010, only specified vehicles carrying out certain duties should be equipped with beacon lights.

Asst Comm Mtombeni said most of the imported vehicles had beacon lights and motorists should remove them when they come into the country.

According traffic law, a motor vehicle used for escorting the President or any person authorised by the President, or used by or for the purposes of the police force or military police of the Zimbabwe National Army should be equipped with a blue beacon light.

An ambulance, a fire engine or a motor vehicle used solely for fire brigade purposes should have a red beacon light while vehicles carrying abnormal loads or towing a disabled vehicle should have an amber beacon light.

Asst Comm Mtombeni said: "On such vehicles the beacon light should be in operation while the car is towing.

There are also vehicles used for the purpose of traffic law enforcement by a Government vehicle inspection officer which should also have an amber beacon light.

"No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle equipped with a lamp capable of being confused with a beacon light."

Recently, two of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's drivers appeared in court for abuse of the beacon lights.