Shillong, Nov 26: A new mechanism will be in place to curb misuse of sirens, beacons, and tinted glasses official vehicles, clearly defining as to who are entitled to these privileges.
A set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be adopted in matters of using of beacons, flashers, sirens, tinted glasses, etc., in official vehicles, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said after the first-ever cabinet meeting at the iconic Ward’s Lake here on Wednesday.
The SOP will define as to who can use the siren, tinted glass or flasher, he said.
“There is a strong feeling among the cabinet” for a mechanism to limit the use of such facilities, according to the Chief Minister.
He informed that official vehicles of Z+ category will be allowed to use tinted glasses and sirens can be used only by vehicles of police, emergency services and pilot escort vehicles of VVIPs and VIPs.
The Chief Minister, meanwhile, made it clear that red lights and beacons cannot be used by anyone and it is a “national law”.
Although flashers can be used as a substitute, it has to be specifically notified by the Transport department, he said, adding his Chief Minister’s Office will also write to the department for necessary permission.
A committee constituted in this regard has been authorised to add any individual or category required to be included for the facility.
On the use of name plates, the chief minister said the Transport department will notify the list of persons who are entitled to use the name plates.
Admitting random fixing of name plates, he said, “This is something we feel needs to be monitored and controlled.”
“You have to take permission for that,” he said adding that the use of national flag will be as per the flag code of India 2002 and SOPs.
