(CMR) Cayman Marl Road has received numerous complaints about the new solid lights on police vehicles. Road users have stated that they are distracting whilst driving and confusing.
Last week we emailed the Police Commissioner, Derek Byrne, and subsequently, a public statement was issued:
“The RCIPS would like to inform the public that since the start of June, the service has begun to transition the emergency lights on all police vehicles to an upgraded version. The new capacity of our police vehicles to employ different kinds of lights for police response is designed to increase our visibility and also the efficacy of our response. “
These new police emergency lights have been programmed to increase the visibility of police when on patrol. Portions of the lights will remain on permanently when the vehicle is in service, which makes the cars easier to see in general, and could act as a deterrent to crime more specifically. The public will be able to differentiate between regular patrol and other police response as there are several response programs.
When on regular patrol, a steady light is visible on each end of the light bar. When the vehicle is not moving but engaged in police response, e.g. at the scene of a collision or roadblock, the lights will be flashing. The lights can also be used to direct traffic as they have directional flow.
When the vehicle is engaged in emergency response, the lights flash more rapidly. For most incidents, the lights will be accompanied by sirens, however, when responding to certain types of incidents sirens may not be used.
Not all road users are in support of the new lights:
“Why on earth do we now need to change a system that has worked since we have had police and cars? This just doesn't make any sense for a cash strapped department. I doubt a cost benefit analysis has been carried out and that it will reap any meaningful results.”
Another road user found them to be extremely distracting and stated that:
“I almost ran into someone staring at the new lights. You mean to tell me they couldn't advise the public of this BEFORE CMR contacted them?”
The police are now welcoming your feedback here.
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