Article: Ban blue light convoys: DA

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Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane should ban blue light convoys in the province, the DA said on Wednesday.

"On an ongoing basis I have asked... Mokonyane to ban the use of blue lights by ministers and MEC's," Democratic Alliance spokeswoman Kate Lorimer said in a statement.

She was responding to reports of a car accident near the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein on Tuesday.

Mokonyane's office could not immediately be reached for comment.

The accident allegedly involved a black BMW in a blue light convoy and a Toyota, which was believed to be a labour department vehicle.

The Star reported that the driver of the BMW allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic light and the car's number plates were removed after the crash.

Lorimer said: "There have been a number of incidents in which these vehicles have endangered the lives of members of the public."

In November 2011, a driver for former housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi allegedly skipped a red light and crashed into matric pupil Thomas Ferreira's motorcycle.

Ferreira suffered brain injuries, spent three weeks in a coma, and had to undergo intensive rehabilitation therapy. The matter is before the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court.

Johannesburg metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that the drivers of both vehicles had to be taken to hospital.

It was unclear how seriously they were injured.

Lorimer said more details were needed about the accident.

"I have submitted questions to [community safety] MEC Faith Mazibuko to ascertain details of the accident and who was responsible.

"The question must again be asked: When does someone's schedule become more important than the life and safety of ordinary South Africans," she said.


Source : Sapa /mjs/hdw/clh/jk
Date : 17 Jul 2013 12:39
 
Almost every single day I drive home there is a blue lights brigade on the N14 rushing from PTA to JHB.
 
Garyvdh said:
Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane should ban blue light convoys in the province, the DA said on Wednesday.

"On an ongoing basis I have asked... Mokonyane to ban the use of blue lights by ministers and MEC's," Democratic Alliance spokeswoman Kate Lorimer said in a statement.

She was responding to reports of a car accident near the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein on Tuesday.

Mokonyane's office could not immediately be reached for comment.

The accident allegedly involved a black BMW in a blue light convoy and a Toyota, which was believed to be a labour department vehicle.

The Star reported that the driver of the BMW allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic light and the car's number plates were removed after the crash.

Lorimer said: "There have been a number of incidents in which these vehicles have endangered the lives of members of the public."

In November 2011, a driver for former housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi allegedly skipped a red light and crashed into matric pupil Thomas Ferreira's motorcycle.

Ferreira suffered brain injuries, spent three weeks in a coma, and had to undergo intensive rehabilitation therapy. The matter is before the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court.

Johannesburg metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that the drivers of both vehicles had to be taken to hospital.

It was unclear how seriously they were injured.

Lorimer said more details were needed about the accident.

"I have submitted questions to [community safety] MEC Faith Mazibuko to ascertain details of the accident and who was responsible.

"The question must again be asked: When does someone's schedule become more important than the life and safety of ordinary South Africans," she said.


Source : Sapa /mjs/hdw/clh/jk
Date : 17 Jul 2013 12:39
Click to expand...

If this is the case I expect to see criminal charges of tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice raised against the people involved.
 
Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane should ban blue light convoys in the province, the DA said on Wednesday.

"On an ongoing basis I have asked... Mokonyane to ban the use of blue lights by ministers and MEC's," Democratic Alliance spokeswoman Kate Lorimer said in a statement.
 
Ain't nothing can be done to improve the situation in this country, until the fools in power are out. Vote DA, and tell everyone you know.
 
Looking at how these cars dart about in JHB traffic it is not possible that the MP being transported is having a nice ride. They are constantly swerving, braking and accelerating hard and given how fat MP's are they are most likely being thrown around the back seat as no SABS approved seat-belt can restrain that amount of weight.

That said, that highlights the problem with these convoys: they drive worse than taxis. If they drive much less aggressive while people make way, we will not have incidents such as tose that have transpired.
 
lcbxx said:
Looking at how these cars dart about in JHB traffic it is not possible that the MP being transported is having a nice ride. They are constantly swerving, braking and accelerating hard and given how fat MP's are they are most likely being thrown around the back seat as no SABS approved seat-belt can restrain that amount of weight.

That said, that highlights the problem with these convoys: they drive worse than taxis. If they drive much less aggressive while people make way, we will not have incidents such as tose that have transpired.
Click to expand...

Why must we have to make way for an MEC who is late for a meeting, or late to get to the KFC for their 3pm snack of 50 pieces of chicken?

I make way for Ambulances and Officially marked police vehicles without a problem, I do have a problem with making way for unmarked vehicles with blue lights...
 
ah, so that explains why there was actually police accident markings on the road as I went into the CBD this afternoon (I think it's the first time I've ever seen markings spray painted on the road).
 
Sinbad said:
If this is the case I expect to see criminal charges of tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice raised against the people involved.
Click to expand...

And then to get covered up under state security regulations.
 
Back when I was still studying African politics (in 1998) (what a frustrating exercise that was...) we were already discussing the "tendencies" of African leaders (note that I don't call them presidents or kings ... because they are neither) to formulate policy and conduct diplomacy on the manner would most suit luxurious travel. Decisions are taken around this issue.

It hasn't changed ... and will never change ... for as long as the " upper-class" of under-developed countries think they have some "catching up to do" they will continue to rape their own countries for privileges that would seem insane to most people.
 
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They shouldn't be banned, ministers should just be prohibited from using them. Reserve them for diplomats and the president himself.
 
Nicodeamus said:
They shouldn't be banned, ministers should just be prohibited from using them. Reserve them for diplomats and the president himself.
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That's just stupid. They're the last people who need any sort of lights. Where is a foreigner going in a hurry? And that fat slob at the top of the turd heap? There is nothing that he does that requires traveling above the speed limit. Nothing.

You want to give lights to people, give them to firemen, policemen, and medics. Wait, they already have them.
 
Albereth said:
That's just stupid. They're the last people who need any sort of lights. Where is a foreigner going in a hurry? And that fat slob at the top of the turd heap? There is nothing that he does that requires traveling above the speed limit. Nothing.

You want to give lights to people, give them to firemen, policemen, and medics. Wait, they already have them.
Click to expand...

There are exceptions when it comes to head of states. You have to distinguish between a diplomat and a foreigner and you are confusing the two (deliberately or out of ignorance).

A diplomat under international law represents the capacity of a president or prime minister of another country. They have the right to international protection and should be offered the opportunity to speed (which is not what blue lights are for), if their securities feel that their lives are in danger.

So there is a purpose to exempt certain people from traffic rules. It is not just because someone wants to ''speed''. That would be stupid.

Now what I am suggesting is regulate them harder. I see no reason why MPs or ministers should be escorted in blue lights.
 
Why ban them just apply the law properly, oops sorry I forget it is the cANCer and they above the law.
 
Nicodeamus said:
There are exceptions when it comes to head of states. You have to distinguish between a diplomat and a foreigner and you are confusing the two (deliberately or out of ignorance).

A diplomat under international law represents the capacity of a president or prime minister of another country. They have the right to international protection and should be offered the opportunity to speed (which is not what blue lights are for), if their securities feel that their lives are in danger.

So there is a purpose to exempt certain people from traffic rules. It is not just because someone wants to ''speed''. That would be stupid.

Now what I am suggesting is regulate them harder. I see no reason why MPs or ministers should be escorted in blue lights.
Click to expand...

Again, there is no need for any blue lights other than for cops, firemen and medics. A blue light doesn't make you safer. If anything it identifies you as the target.

And why should a foreigner be afforded greater security than a citizen? Those priorities are wrong.

And foreigners are not exempt from the traffic rules. Not being prosecuted is not the same as being exempt.
 
Hosehead said:
Didn't MMe Zille outlaw blue lights in Cape Town? I seem to remember she did? But they're creeping back...
Click to expand...

She cannot ban people from other provinces using them in Cape Town, but she has stopped WP ministers and MEC's from using them.
 
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