Karnataka police chief issues order restricting use of escort vehicle sirens during VIP movement

It is meant to ensure noise pollution control as well for public safety.

Bengaluru: In view of public safety and as a measure to ensure noise pollution control, all state police unit officers have been instructed to restrict the use of escort vehicle sirens during the VIP movement.

Unnecessary use of sirens during the movement of VIPs not only informs the public about the road on which VIPs are moving but also poses a risk to the VIPs themselves.

In addition, the unnecessary use of sirens not only causes inconvenience to the public but also contributes to noise pollution. The sudden use of sirens on public roads can cause confusion among other motorists and may lead to erratic driving as they are unsure which way to turn, causing confusion for both the convoy and other vehicles.

Sirens should only be used by emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, police vehicles, and fire engines in unavoidable circumstances.

During VIP movement, the most disciplined and safe way to meet the emergency movement requirements of vehicles is to effectively use telecommunication devices such as wireless communication systems.

State police unit officers are to instruct their subordinate officers and staff to fully comply with this order, said M A Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police, in a release.