Drivers warned to stop for motorcades
Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has warned drivers to follow the correct procedures when a state motorcade is passing, otherwise they will be committing an offence.
Following reports of road users refusing to give right of way to the presidential motorcade, VIP motorcades and emergency vehicles; Ndeitunga addressed and cautioned the public in this regard.
Ndeitunga said one of the functions of the police is to provide security and protection to both local and foreign VVIPs and VIPs in Namibia.
“This is in fact, the international norm and courtesy accorded to leaders worldwide and Namibia is no exception.”
He said the categories of VVIPs and VIPs using motorcades in the Namibian context include the president, his deputy, the prime minister, former heads of state and foreign eminent persons who have immunity of not stopping at intersections and traffic signs.
“A state motorcade will include two or more official motor vehicles travelling together for the purpose of conveying Namibian VIPs or foreign dignitaries. Such an escort is done by committing traffic police vehicles with visible blue lights, sirens to forewarn the public of the oncoming motorcade of the VIP to ensure safe passage, and unimpeded journey of the VIP,” said Ndeitunga. He said it therefore becomes an obligation for every citizen to respect and give the right of way to the motorcade to pass unimpeded, by stopping their vehicles.
According to Ndeitunga, on approach of a motorcade and during the passing of a motorcade every vehicle on the road must draw their vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road where the road is demarcated into one or two traffic lanes for direction of travel.
He said drivers must remain stationary and only proceed when instructed to do so by hand signals of a policeman or when the motorcade has passed.
“Where the road is not demarcated into traffic lanes for direction of travel, draw the vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road.”
Ndeitunga said no person driving a vehicle may overtake or attempt to overtake any vehicle in a motorcade.
“A person who contravenes these laid down procedures and regulations shall commit an offence.”
He further appealed to all road users to always stop and give right of way to any VVIP, VIP motorcade and any emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades or police quick response vehicles.
ELLANIE SMIT
Following reports of road users refusing to give right of way to the presidential motorcade, VIP motorcades and emergency vehicles; Ndeitunga addressed and cautioned the public in this regard.
Ndeitunga said one of the functions of the police is to provide security and protection to both local and foreign VVIPs and VIPs in Namibia.
“This is in fact, the international norm and courtesy accorded to leaders worldwide and Namibia is no exception.”
He said the categories of VVIPs and VIPs using motorcades in the Namibian context include the president, his deputy, the prime minister, former heads of state and foreign eminent persons who have immunity of not stopping at intersections and traffic signs.
“A state motorcade will include two or more official motor vehicles travelling together for the purpose of conveying Namibian VIPs or foreign dignitaries. Such an escort is done by committing traffic police vehicles with visible blue lights, sirens to forewarn the public of the oncoming motorcade of the VIP to ensure safe passage, and unimpeded journey of the VIP,” said Ndeitunga. He said it therefore becomes an obligation for every citizen to respect and give the right of way to the motorcade to pass unimpeded, by stopping their vehicles.
According to Ndeitunga, on approach of a motorcade and during the passing of a motorcade every vehicle on the road must draw their vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road where the road is demarcated into one or two traffic lanes for direction of travel.
He said drivers must remain stationary and only proceed when instructed to do so by hand signals of a policeman or when the motorcade has passed.
“Where the road is not demarcated into traffic lanes for direction of travel, draw the vehicle to a halt at the extreme left of the road.”
Ndeitunga said no person driving a vehicle may overtake or attempt to overtake any vehicle in a motorcade.
“A person who contravenes these laid down procedures and regulations shall commit an offence.”
He further appealed to all road users to always stop and give right of way to any VVIP, VIP motorcade and any emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades or police quick response vehicles.
ELLANIE SMIT
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