So-called “blue-light brigades” are a threat to motorists, particularly as they project the idea that their political VIP passengers “are more important than other road users and the public must yield or face personal attack”, says the Automobile Association (AA)
“There is ongoing anecdotal evidence that occupants of motorcades violently gesticulate and show their firearms at other motorists to intimidate them and they are belligerent on the road. SA road users deserve much better than this,” the AA said.
“Whatever politician is being transported in these motorcades must make it clear they expect the highest levels of professional and ethical behaviour from their support staff. Allowing these officers to act the way they do sends a message to the public that they are above the law, which they are not.”
The organisation added: “The vicious assault on three people on the N1 in Fourways, Johannesburg, in 2023 is a good example of how ‘protection officers’ in the motorcades respond to others. The message from these official personnel is their passengers are more important than other road users and the public must yield or face personal attack.”
Business Day reports that the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) permits drivers of emergency vehicles such as traffic officers and authorised drivers, as well as a “person appointed in terms of the SA Police Service Act who drives a vehicle in the carrying out of his or her duties” to disregard the directions of a road traffic sign displayed in the prescribed manner. The NRTA regulations state drivers are to give right of way to a vehicle sounding a device or bell or displaying an identification lamp.
The AA said: “However, we contend any driver who drives recklessly or is careless about the safety of other users on the road should be held liable for gross negligence where they pose a threat to property or another person, whether they are driving a politician, delegate, VIP or a car fitted with a blue light, just like any other road user.”