BENGALURU, 22 JULY  

The Director General and Inspector General of Police of the State, MA Saleem, has issued a directive to all unit officers to limit the use of sirens by escort vehicles during VIP movements, citing concerns over public safety and noise pollution.

The order highlights that excessive use of sirens can expose the routes of dignitaries to unauthorised individuals, increasing security risks. Additionally, the noise created by sirens causes inconvenience to the public and contributes to overall noise pollution. Saleem pointed out that the sudden activation of sirens can lead to confusion among motorists, resulting in erratic driving and a chaotic environment for both escort and general traffic.

Instead of relying on sirens, the DGP encourages the use of telecommunication systems, such as wireless communication, for coordinating the emergency movement of vehicles more effectively. Sirens should be reserved exclusively for emergency service vehicles, like ambulances, police, and fire engines, and only in unavoidable situations.

All unit officers have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with this order by relaying the directives to their subordinate officers and staff.