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The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has warned motorists that it is against the law to use turret or emergency lights on a motor vehicle without lawful authority.
It has further warned that it would be enforcing the law against the increasing abuse of the blue beacon by unauthorised institutions and individuals not mandated by law or trained in defensive driving techniques who pose a danger to ordinary road users.
This is according to the RTSA acting Head-Public Relations Mukela Mangolwa in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Mangolwa said RTSA had noted with dismay the rampant abuse of the blue beacon among institutional Heads of government and members of the public over the years either for personal convenience or as a way of maneuvering through traffic congestion.
He said the agency wished to put it on record that the blue beacon was exclusively meant for the Zambia Police Service and selected security wings as assigned and the RTSA who work with the Police during enforcement.
“Further, vehicles that are permitted to be fitted with a gong, bell or siren are specified in the Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002 Section 154(4) of the Act provides as follows; “No motor vehicle other than an ambulance, fire engine, or a motor vehicle solely for ambulance, fire brigade, police or such other purpose as may be prescribed, shall be fitted with a gong, bell or siren,” he said.
Mangolwa however said Transport and Logistics Minister was empowered through the issuance of a Statutory Instrument (SI) to extend the application of 153(4) to other vehicles.
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