• The editor writes:
An article was recently published with headline WARNING: No more LED lights allowed on the road that went viral.
According to Wynand Labuschagne from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, as reported by The Citizen (Herald’s mother newspaper), based on an article by the Lowvelder the use of LED lights is not only illegal, but it can be downright dangerous.
Here are some of the comments emailed to me …
• “We agree that LED could cause fatalities if abused. So are the guns and bombs used on the streets. All that needs to be done here is to open this topic for further debate and discussion rather than saying [its] outright illegal. We as 4 x 4 enthusiasts use them for patrolling the dark streets and when there is no oncoming traffic to keep our streets safe where police have failed in this [environment of] rising crime. We also use them on the offroads and tracks. These can also be used to assist in accidents where light is needed in emergencies. I would say permits should be issued for people so there are laws and guidelines given to them.”
• “You make mention of LED lights, [but] which LED lights? The reference made to regulations on LED lighting has been misinterpreted, this is not the first article released on this subject misleading the public. We would happily avail ourselves as one of the market leaders worldwide in lighting since 1899 to sit down with you to draft a more informative and accurate article. We will also reach out to advocate Jonker from Arrive Alive www.arrivealive.co.za to draft an official standpoint on this controversial topic.”
• “Firstly thank you for the news [articles] that you publish. I love them. Now getting back to the subject line. Is it possible to to get in touch with the same Department of Community Safety with regards to the use of Xenon lights on vehicles? There are Traffic Officials that are not aware of the difference between the LED lights and Xenon lights. This would be good to know by motorists out there.”
Give us your opinion via email to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za
