Tightening the norms for the use of red beacons, Punjab government on Wednesday pruned the list of dignitaries who are authorised to use red beacons atop their official vehicles.
In a fresh notification issued on Wednesday, the government has curtailed the categories of people who use red beacons from 17 to 13. Besides, it also withdrew the facility to religious leaders, vice-chancellors of universities and a number of civil and police officers.
The notification was issued on the directive of the Supreme Court which is hearing a special leave petition in this regard with a view to strictly implement the road safety measures.
Besides, orders to impound vehicles using red lights without authorisation had also been issued. The VIPs who had been issued permission stickers for use of red beacons atop their vehicles were asked to return the same to the Home department. Those authorised to use red beacons as per the new notification would have to apply for new permission stickers.
It has also been clarified that in case vehicles with red light is not carrying the dignitary then such a red light would not be used and covered.
Those who have been authorised to use red beacons are Punjab Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Minister of State, Deputy Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Parliamentary Secretaries, Chief Justice and Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Member Parliament from Punjab (one vehicle only), Speaker, Deputy Speaker, MlAs (one vehicle for MlAs), Chief Secretary, Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Advocate Generals of Punjab, legal Remembrance Punjab, Chairman of State level Boards, Corporations, Commissions with the rank of State Minister and above, Director General of Police, ADGPs, IGs (Zonals), Commissioners or Senior Superintendents of Police, Registrar of Punjab and Haryana High Court, District and Sessions Judges, ommissioners or Deputy Commissioners, Excise and Taxation Commissioner and State Transport Commissioner.
Besides, all Advisors to Chief Minister, Punjab with a status of State Minister and above and Mayors of all Municipal Corporations have been authorised to use red beacons.