AA calls for increased oversight over 'Blue Light Brigades'
The Automobile Association has called for an oversight operation over the VIP protection units that transport government officials.
This follows numerous complaints received by the AA from motorists.
The so-called Blue Light Brigades have been in the spotlight recently following the brutal assault of motorists by Deputy President Paul Mashatile's protectors on the N1 Johannesburg in July 2023.
"The AA says it has raised concerns for many years about the Blue Light Brigades, but that little seems to be done to curb their outrageous behaviour," the AA said in a statement.
"Repeated calls for proper oversight of the VIP unit’s operations have clearly fallen on deaf ears.
"The unit’s members continue to act with impunity, often considering other road users a menace instead of, rightfully, citizens they need to protect and serve."
The AA said the VIP convoys threaten road users due to their often 'reckless driving.'
“We receive many complaints from our members and the public about how these motorcades force them off the road and barge their way through heavy traffic – especially during peak traffic hours in the morning and afternoon.
"There is ongoing anecdotal evidence that occupants of motorcades violently gesticulate and show their firearms at other motorists to intimidate them and that they are generally belligerent on the road."
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