Hyd ambulances now need traffic clearance after drivers caught misusing siren

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad traffic police found that more than 90% of ambulances in the city have been misusing the siren. The drivers were found using the siren even though no emergency patients were inside.

Speaking to NewsMeter, joint traffic commissioner A.V Ranganath said the unprecedented use of ambulance sirens has caused unnecessary traffic jams. "Hyderabad sees at least 5,000 ambulances on the roads daily at major junctions. The misuse of sirens has created a lot of problems," he said.

The Hyderabad traffic police found that the ambulance siren was being used even when no patients were inside. There were also cases where ambulances used sirens to transport dead bodies to mortuaries.

Now, ambulances carrying emergency patients have to inform the Hyderabad traffic police. "The drivers or hospital staff need to seek clearance from the control room," Mr. Ranganath said.

He further explained that the Hyderabad traffic police will clear traffic for ambulances and provide a green channel similar to that provided for organ transport vehicles. "This will also help patients reach the hospital faster," Mr. Ranganath said.

"We have further instructed the hospitals to appoint a nodal officer for easier communication with the traffic police," he added.

A dedicated number—8712660600—has been set up for hospitals to communicate with the traffic department so that a green channel can be provided for ambulances carrying terminally ill patients.

Any ambulance caught using a siren without prior permission and not carrying any emergency patients will immediately be seized by the traffic police. A case will also be registered against the ambulance operator.

"A sensitisation programme was conducted for all ambulance operators and drivers by the traffic department regarding the new rules. We hope they will comply with the rules," Mr. Ranganath said. A letter has also been sent to all government and private hospitals regarding the new ambulance rules that are being implemented in the city