Karnataka Director Normal of Police M A Saleem on Monday directed the police authorities to limit using sirens throughout VIP motion to make sure public security and scale back noise air pollution.
“The pointless use of sirens throughout VIP convoys not solely alerts unauthorised people to the route being taken—doubtlessly compromising the VIP’s safety—but in addition creates disturbances for most people. Sirens contribute considerably to noise air pollution and will trigger panic or confusion amongst motorists, resulting in erratic driving and site visitors disruptions,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that the popular and most secure technique for managing VIP motion is thru the coordinated use of telecommunications, corresponding to wi-fi communication programs, somewhat than audible alerts.
He highlighted that sirens ought to be used strictly by emergency response automobiles—corresponding to ambulances, police automobiles, and fireplace tenders—and solely in unavoidable or vital conditions. “All unit officers are instructed to speak this directive to their respective groups and guarantee strict adherence,” he famous.
A senior police officer advised The Indian Categorical that using sirens by some officers within the police and medical departments all through their journey is creating pointless noise air pollution and anxiousness amongst motorists. “The path is to make use of it judiciously and when there’s a want. For instance, if the highway is evident of site visitors, there isn’t a want to make use of sirens at such instances. Nonetheless, a few of these departments use it even throughout these instances, which is now being directed to curb,” he mentioned. The officer additionally acknowledged that the police division would initially create consciousness on the even handed use of sirens and later provoke motion if the directive is violated.
In 2013, the Supreme Courtroom of India dominated that sirens and pink beacons might solely be utilized by excessive dignitaries holding constitutional posts whereas on responsibility, to curb their misuse as standing symbols.
The court docket had banned non-public people from utilizing sirens and restricted their use to emergency automobiles corresponding to ambulances, fireplace providers, and police automobiles for particular duties, permitting blue, white, or multicoloured lights as a substitute of pink beacons.