Rising incidents of blue light brigades threaten safety on South African roads, warns Automobile Association

The Automobile Association (AA) has voiced serious concerns about the growing frequency of Blue Light Brigades, motorcades transporting politicians, which are now a common sight on Gauteng’s highways. The AA warns that these high-speed convoys pose significant risks to other road users, particularly due to the aggressive behaviour exhibited by escorting drivers.

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An alarming incident from 2023, when three motorists were violently assaulted on the N1 highway in Fourways, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers these motorcades can present. The AA highlights that the behaviour of the security personnel during such incidents communicates a troubling message: that the lives of their VIP passengers take precedence over those of everyday motorists, who are left to yield or face dire consequences.

Despite having raised this issue repeatedly over the years, the AA notes that little has been done to address the arrogance and recklessness displayed by these VIP escorts. Calls for increased regulation and oversight of their operations have been largely ignored. Instead of prioritising the safety of all road users, many in these motorcades treat fellow drivers as obstacles to be ignored.

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Numerous complaints from the public and AA members detail how these motorcades force their way through congested traffic, particularly during peak hours. Reports indicate that occupants of these vehicles often resort to intimidation tactics, including hostile gestures and displaying firearms. The AA emphasises that South African drivers deserve a safer road environment free from such aggressive conduct.

Moreover, the AA has appealed to the politicians being escorted to set higher standards for their security personnel’s conduct. They argue that it is imperative for public figures to demand exemplary behaviour from their teams. The perception that these officers operate above the law sends an inappropriate message to the public.

While Section 58 (3) of the National Road Traffic Act permits certain emergency vehicles to disregard traffic regulations, the AA contends that any driver, regardless of their passenger’s status, should be held accountable for reckless behaviour that jeopardises public safety. They argue that the urgency of getting a VIP to a destination does not justify endangering the lives of other road users.

Driving recklessly for the convenience of a politician is not a valid emergency, the AA asserts, and it is disheartening for the public to believe otherwise. The organisation reiterates the need for improved accountability among those who utilise Blue Light Brigades, insisting that every road user deserves respect and safety on South Africa’s roads.

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