Police ask govt offices to comply with beacon rules

The list has been circulated across the 25 traffic guards with the instruction to “first request and then prosecute” if officials are found making unauthorised use of beacons

A beacon-fitted car.: File photo

Monalisa Chaudhuri   |   TT  |  Calcutta   |  17.07.21: Police have written to all offices of the state and central governments in the city to comply with the beacon rules issued by the Bengal government.

A notification issued by the state transport department in 2014 — which the police said was the last beacon-related one issued — has been circulated so that all government offices are aware about the ranks eligible for beacon-fitted vehicles, the police said.

The list has been circulated across the 25 traffic guards with instructions to “first request and then prosecute” if government officials are found using beacons in violation of rules.

Recently, cops had requested an officer of the rank of deputy commissioner posted in the customs department to remove the beacon from his vehicle because his designation did not make him eligible for one. The officer immediately removed the beacon, officers said.

In a letter to the 53 state government departments, Lalbazar has cited recent “instances of unauthorised use of such beacon-fitted vehicles… which tantamounts to the violation of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court… as well as sections 108(2) CMVR and 226(3) WBMVR”.

“In light of the above, you are requested to direct the concerned officer in your department dealing with the deployment of beacon-fitted vehicles, to go through the notification… and take necessary action accordingly,” the letter said.

In the communication to the central government offices, the police have made the same request and asked if there is any order by the Centre on this matter.

Several cops said it was not easy to implement the beacon rules in a city where there is rampant misuse of beacons and flashers. Cops on the road often come in for a lot of flak if they try to stop a beacon-fitted vehicle and seek details of the persons inside.

“Keeping all factors in mind, the sergeants have been asked to first request if any government official is found to use a beacon without being entitled to it. In case of repeated offence, we will have to prosecute,” said a senior officer at Lalbazar.

According to a state transport department notification issued on June 19, 2014, the governor, chief minister, chief justice of the high court, Assembly speaker, cabinet ministers of the state government, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and judges of the high court are eligible to use red beacons and flashers on their vehicles. There are other categories authorised to use beacons with and without flashers.

An officer said the Centre had amended the list in 2017 but in the absence of a notification by the state mentioning the amendment, the city police were sticking to the notification issued by the state in 2014.