OH police chief issues strong warning to motorists displaying illegal lights

“So we are asking every motorist with neon lights, flashing lights, blue lights, LED lighting and other paraphernalia boarded on their vehicles… that has been a nuisance to other road users, we are asking them to remove them.

“Failure to do so we will remove the plates through the motor vehicle examiners, so we’re are asking persons to comply,” said DSP Damion Manderson, commander in charge of the sub-division.

The move is in collaboration with the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) and is part of the police’s thrust to enhance road safety across the country.

Several motorists, particularly public transport operators in the Old Harbour space, already have been hit hard in their pockets.

Wednesday night of this week, a team of police and ITA examiners were out in full force in Old Harbour square during which many motorists were found to be in breach of Section 40 1(a-b) of the Road Traffic Act.

Motorist found in breach can be fined up to $10,000 in addition to other associated costs.

“My personal position on it is that any vehicle at all with blue lights, there’s only one simple question I’ll ask is ‘if it is the property of the police commissioner?’. Because impersonation or the depiction of the blue lights is telling me that you are impersonating the police. So we are just encouraging persons to comply,” DSP Manderson said.

Meantime, with the Christmas season fast approaching the senior cop is also urging residents to be more vigilant to minimize the risk of being an easy prey for criminals.

DSP Manderson told Old Harbour News: “We encourage persons during this yuletide season to be more conscious of your surroundings. Do not let persons inside the ATM with you; if you need any help inside the ATM the police station is just a stone’s throw away, so come and ask the police to assist you.
“So we encourage persons to stay very alert in the homes or anywhere and where possible establish or fortify your own security.”