Patrol vehicle fined for green light

A green light mounted on a Kloof Neighbourhood Watch patrol vehicle. Metro police says the use of a green light is illegal.

A green light mounted on a Kloof Neighbourhood Watch patrol vehicle. Metro police says the use of a green light is illegal.

Published Mar 13, 2015

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Durban - The Kloof Neighbourhood Watch has been fined for using a green light on its volunteer patrol vehicles.

The green light is mounted on top of the roof and flicks on and off while the volunteer patrol car drives in the suburb.

Michael Mooney, a resident and member of the neighbourhood watch, said the organisation was doing a fantastic job keeping the streets safe.

“They patrol the area in their own vehicles at their own expense and while patrolling, make use of green flashing lights. This is both reassuring to the community and a deterrent to criminals,” he said.

The Neighbourhood Watch claim they have been targeted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate who have issued fines to several vehicles. They also complained that an RTI officer was seated in a metro police vehicle when he issued a fine.

“On one occasion, they not only charged the neighbourhood watch guys for using green lights, but also because apparently the light wasn’t working. The RTI should be stepping up their efforts to stop trucks using Field’s Hill not going into the suburbs and victimising honest citizens trying to help the police combat crime.” Mooney said.

A fine of R500 was issued to a patroller in Old Main Road in Kloof.

The patroller was charged for driving his car while using a lamp that was not authorised or prescribed by the National Road Traffic Act - green light.

Spokeswoman for the Department of Transport KZN, Zinhle Mngomezulu, said all vehicles that had flashing lights regardless of colour must have permits. “In as much as we support neighbourhood watches, we say no to green lights.” she said.

According to Mngomezulu, lights are being categorised as follows:

* White: security.

* Amber: breakdown and civil protection.

* Red: ambulance and fire department.

* Blue: traffic and SAPS.

* Green: disaster management.

Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said the regulations were enshrined in the National Road Traffic Act. He said the use of a green light was illegal.

“The green flashing lights on vehicles can only be used on disaster management vehicles. There is no specific colour for CPF vehicles,” Msomi said.

Daily News

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