Police have been ordered to crack down on motorists using unauthorized sirens and strobe lights. The police had announced in 2022 the plans to crack down on those with illegal gadgets on their vehicles prompting a man to move to court which was last week thrown out.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has told all accounting officers in offices including Parliament, Judiciary, county governments and Independent Commissions to remove any unauthorized vehicles using the gadgets.
He said the Traffic Act (Cap 403) and the Rules made thereunder, authorize police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances and other designated vehicles to make use of sirens and strobe lights for reasons of public safety, security and emergency response.
“Consequently, it is hereby notified that there shall be a crackdown to impound vehicles found to be fitted with sirens, strobe lights and such other unauthorized equipment in breach of the law, and appropriate action is taken,” he said in a memo.
Koskei further explained that there is a defined procedure for obtaining approvals to install and use strobe lights, sirens, and related equipment on vehicles not authorized by law. Individuals interested in using such equipment can request authorization by following the outlined process.
Traffic commandant Mary Omari said the crackdown will be in line with Section 55 of the Traffic Act, which stipulates provisions for a vehicle’s condition on the road.
“No vehicle shall be used on a road unless such vehicle and all parts and equipment thereof, including lights and tyres, comply with the requirements of this Act, and such parts and equipment shall at all times be maintained in such a condition that the driving of the vehicle is not likely to be a danger to other users of the road or persons traveling on the vehicle,” reads part of the Act.
