Police look into abuse of emergency lights by govt vehicles

Police are calling on members of the public who witness the abuse of emergency flashing lights and sirens by government and police vehicles to contact the nearest police station with details.

Concerns have been raised on the blatant abuse of these emergency flashing lights by some government vehicles on the roads when there is no real emergency.

Police Director of Traffic Mahesh Mishra said the Land Transport Authority Act is clear that the emergency lights are only for emergencies.

When asked by Fijivillage, Mishra said public assistance is also needed in this area to report matters relating to abuse of emergency lights by government vehicles.

Mishra said no one should be above the law and all government vehicle drivers should follow the LTA Act.

Meanwhile, Mishra said Police Officers have also been advised to follow the best practices when escorting vehicles.

Serious concerns have also been raised by motorists regarding an incident along Waimanu Road to Princes Road on Monday afternoon when a police vehicle escorting a hearse went on to the opposite lane with sirens blaring and emergency lights, clearing traffic to make way for the hearse.

Many motorists struggled to make way for the police vehicle as it continued to use the siren and emergency lights.

This occurred during peak hour traffic between 5pm to 6pm.

Questions have been raised on whether this was a real emergency as the hearse was transporting a body to a house.

Police maintain that they follow the best practices and people can report any abuse of vehicles to the nearest police station.