No red beacons for VIPs from May 1, 2017

The Government of India has decided to stop the use of red beacons on vehicles of VIPs. As a result, VIPs or other dignitaries will not be able to use red beacons on their vehicles from May 1, 2017.

No exception has been made to the said rule. Even VIPs like the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Chief Ministers of different states will not be allowed to use red beacons on their vehicles. Use of special beacons has thus been limited to emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire brigade, etc.) and enforcement agencies.

This decision comes a week after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) called a meeting to discuss misuse of red beacon lights over the past few years. The road transport ministry had reportedly offered three solutions to the said issue, one of which was the complete removal of red beacons from VIP vehicles. Road Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, has stated that the official notification will be issued after public hearing. However, he has asked other ministers to voluntarily remove beacons from their vehicles.

Source: Times of India

Image Source