THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though the ban on beacon lights on VIPs’ vehicles has been taken away as a symbol of power being widely misused, another similar misuse remains unchecked and that is the use of ‘Kerala State’ boards. Incidentally, a section of police officials also feel that the ban on beacon lights may hinder the smooth flow of VIPs’ vehicles. According to police sources, the norms permit only vehicles of Chief Minister, ministers and others in equivalent ranks to use the ‘Kerala State’ board in red and white. Other government vehicles should mention the department name on the board.
Former transport commissioner Tomin Thachankary had even written to Raj Bhavan against the misuse of the board ‘Kerala Raj Bhavan’ in almost all vehicles of the Raj Bhavan, except the official car of the Governor. Subsequently the boards were removed as per Governor P Sathasivam’s instruction. Though Mr. Thachankary took up with the government the misuse of boards, flags and beacon light, no effective corrective steps were initiated. Transport commissioner Mr. S Aananthakrishnan said that the Motor Vehicles department used to act upon specific complaints of misuse of the boards. However no rampant misuse was noticed yet.
Police, who are quite aggressive in checking violations like non-wearing of helmets, often turn a blind eye to the misuse of vehicles with government boards. “It is risky to check vehicles with government boards, even in case of any minor traffic rule violations. If it happens to be a genuine government vehicle and was carrying a senior officer, we would be inviting his/her wrath unnecessarily,” said a traffic police personnel in the city. Meanwhile, some traffic police personnel feel that though beacons lights were banned on VIPs’ vehicles, it may not hinder the flashing movement of VIPs' vehicles breaking traffic signals. “Speedy movement of ministers' vehicles amidst heavy traffic is facilitated by the police as per the message from the ministers’ gunman and not by flashing beacon lights. But beacon lights prompt other vehicles to move when they see VIPs’ vehicles,” said a police officer.
