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Can you have green beacons?
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- By: TRALERT® Support
Contents
The short answer
Emergency signals and warning lights play a crucial role in our daily traffic system, but the colour of these lights can have significant implications. In the Netherlands, green warning lights are mainly used by emergency services and military units, but only in specific situations such as forensic investigations or tests. The rules and applications of green warning lights therefore vary from country to country. The question is therefore: are you allowed to use a green warning light? In this blog, we explain the specific rules and regulations surrounding green warning lights and examine the reasons for their use within the legal framework.
Did you know... green beacons are used for different purposes? In the UK, for example, they are mandatory on vehicles to indicate that the driver is wearing his or her seatbelt. If you are not wearing your seatbelt, the green light remains off. If you do wear the seatbelt, the flashing light will flash! This system is especially common on excavators and other large earth-moving equipment, which improves workplace safety.
Green beacons: a vigilance and safety signal
Did you know that green light from beacons has a special effect on people? Perceiving green light lowers heart rate, adrenaline levels and blood pressure, unlike colours like orange, blue or especially red. Green radiates safety and calm. Sometimes police use green flashing lights during surveillance to prevent burglaries, especially in troubled neighbourhoods or areas with an increased risk of burglaries. Imagine watching TV quietly in your living room at night and suddenly seeing blue flickering lights shining through the window. You are most likely startled because you have unconsciously developed a 'click reaction' when seeing this light colour. Logical, because you usually only see emergency services driving around with this colour. A green light beam is less likely to trigger this startle effect, but you know there is police surveillance going on. This can offer a sense of security, especially in troubled neighbourhoods.
The versatile use of green beacons
Another typical time when green beacons are used on police cars is during a trace investigation. During a trace investigation, it is very important that no traces are lost. With the green colour, the police want to indicate that people should be careful, but that there is no actual emergency situation. This colour indicates special attention to investigation and safety, and it serves to draw attention to the police presence at the scene.
Police vehicles, military police, fire brigades and ambulances also use a green beacon in very serious accidents or emergencies and serves several purposes in such situations. Namely, it signals the presence of emergency services to other road users, while at the same time indicating that caution is needed in the vicinity of the incident. The green light may also mean that emergency services are involved in specific tasks, such as rescue operations or mapping the situation.
What should you do if you see a police car with green beacons?
A green beacon is different from a blue beacon. If you come across a police car with green beacons, it is important to be alert and cautious. Green beacons do not usually indicate an emergency, but rather signal that extra attention is required, such as during police operations, surveillance or forensic investigations. Here are some steps to follow (where applicable):
- Stay calm.
- Reduce your speed.
- Stick to the traffic rules.
- Follow any instructions.
- Keep a sufficient distance or give way if necessary.
- Stay alert.
It is important to remember that green beacons do not usually indicate an emergency situation, so there is usually no immediate danger. Act in a respectful and cooperative manner to ensure everyone's safety.
Are you allowed to use green beacons yourself?
In most countries, including the Netherlands, the use of green beacons on private vehicles is strictly regulated and generally not allowed for the average road user. Green beacons are usually reserved for specific vehicles and services such as police, fire brigade, ambulance and other emergency services. Using green beacons on a private vehicle without the proper permits and consents can lead to legal penalties. So fitting your car with green flashing lights, fancy neon strips all around and smoked rear lights is, unfortunately, not an option.
Incidentally, the possession and use of green beacons is often allowed on private property, but it is important to consider local rules and regulations even on private property to avoid any problems. It is always advisable to consult the specific laws and regulations in your region before installing a green beacon on your vehicle.
LED R65 Flashing beacon green | 12-24v | Mini DIN-flexi ECCOLED | EB5006G
Available on backorder
SKU:
EB5006G
The influence of the green beacon in society
There is little scientific evidence available that green beacons on police cars actually reduce theft. However, using green lights on police vehicles can be beneficial in other ways. In fact, scientific research on light signals has shown that green light can lower people's heart rate, adrenaline levels and blood pressure, which can promote a sense of calm and safety. This is in contrast to colours such as blue or red, which are often associated with emergency situations.
In various parts of the Netherlands, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment has carried out trials in which police cars were fitted with green beacons instead of orange ones. These trials were designed to investigate whether green lights would have a positive effect on visibility and the reactions of people in the vicinity of police operations. The main objective was to enhance the safety of police operations and, potentially, to reduce the risk of violent confrontations. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment decided to terminate the trials early.
Green lighting in the light range at TRALERT®
You’ll find green beacons in the TRALERT® range. Whilst we understand that the average person without a background in the emergency services might not immediately look for these specific products, green flashing beacons can still be useful for improving the safety of, for example, agricultural machinery or large construction machinery (on private premises). Although this is not compulsory in the Netherlands, it is a valuable addition for anyone who needs extra visibility and safety.
You might also be interested in green lighting to give your vehicle a personal touch. For these decorative purposes, we have a variety of green lighting options available in our range. Whether you want to make your vehicle stand out or add practical safety enhancements, TRALERT® has the right solutions for you.
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