“VIP drivers not exempted from the law,” says Premier’s Spokesperson
These drivers, just like ordinary citizens, are not allowed to speed unless with blue lights on, and also if the Premier or MEC or Mayor is in that vehicle.
POLOKWANE –Â Drivers for the Premier and MECs and persons driving department-owned vehicles, are treated the same way as ordinary drivers: break the law and let the law then take its course. This is according to the Premier’s Spokesperson, Kenny Mathivha, who told BONUS there is no special treatment for VIP drivers.
“They are highly trained drivers and bodyguards, who are regulated by a code of conduct.” He said these drivers attend advanced driving courses which make them fit for the job. These drivers, just like ordinary citizens, are not allowed to speed unless with blue lights on, and also if the Premier or MEC or Mayor is in that vehicle.
“Sometimes, there are emergency situations which require them to drive fast. In those circumstances, they are required to make use of the blue lights,” he said. They may, however, not drive at excessive speeds, as they are not exempted from the law he said.
In emergency situations, they would usually be accompanied by members of the traffic department who then regulate intersections and so on, for these vehicles to pass through safely.
“The traffic police may arrest them if they break the law unless extenuating circumstances are given.” He discouraged motorists from not only blocking emergency vehicles on the roads, but also vehicles with blue lights. The public can report any vehicle driving at excessive speeds.
According to Mathivha, this includes state-owned vehicles driven by departmental workers. “There are no separate channels for reporting these vehicles.”
