Use of flashing lights is strictly governed by law

I refer to the letter by G. Marques headlined 'Police should connect lights to battery' (South China Morning Post, January 23).

All large police motorcycles are fitted with auxiliary batteries to power the flashing lights and sirens. Small motorcycles were first fitted with flashing beacons and sirens in 1996 and auxiliary batteries were, and still are, standard equipment.

The use of flashing lights and sirens on police vehicles is strictly governed by the law and police internal guidelines. There are detailed procedures setting out guidelines for police mobile patrol officers concerning stopping vehicles safely on the road.

The guidelines, which are also applicable to situations of traffic accident investigation, stipulate that where a target vehicle is stopped, the blue flashing lights and amber hazard lights of the police vehicle should remain on throughout the check.

Other police officers attending the scenes of traffic accidents will, where appropriate, switch on the beacon lights for the general safety of all road users.

We would be grateful if Mr Marques could provide further information of the cases mentioned in the letter so that follow-up action can be taken.