Flashing lights and Police urging motorists to pull over — it’s normally a spectacle indicating the emergency services are in a life or death dash.

However these days it could merely indicate the passage of an important Premier.

One letter writer from Hamilton parish, who preferred to be anonymous, said he was forced to pull over while riding along South Shore last week after seeing what he thought were the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle. “As is custom, I drove my moped slightly further in to my own lane as I waited for the ambulance to pass.

“To my utter surprise, however, it was not an ambulance at all. Instead, three police motorcycles came hurtling in my direction with the officers waving frantically at motorists on both sides of the road to move aside.” Behind them followed Dr. Brown’s limo — driven at speed.

The letter to The Royal Gazette added: “When I returned home I immediately turned on the radio to learn what national emergency had required the Premier’s urgent attention. I heard nothing.

“Nor did I find anything in your paper the next day, sir, explaining which crisis had necessitated Dr. Brown’s immediate presence.

“Perhaps the Premier or a member of his staff could explain why three policemen are required to guard his limousine?

“Apparently, in his unending bid to become the next American President, Dr. Brown has forgotten that he is no longer American.’’

Yesterday the Premier’s press secretary Scott Simmons was asked if the Premier was under an increased threat and whether he was aware people found the motorcade pretentious.

He declined to comment, but later rang back to point out Cherie Blair was travelling around in two cars.

However the Premier’s movements are increasingly raising the ire of other road users. Recently a taxi driver rang this paper outraged at being held up in traffic while GP1 whisked the Premier off the airport tarmac, accompanied by an illuminated jeep.

Yesterday former Premier Alex Scott was able to explain that during his three-year spell in the hot-seat he had secured an agreement for the Premier to picked up by car off the tarmac at the airport - a courtesy long extended to the Governor and visiting dignitaries.

But he said he had only used that once or twice to establish the principle and had more often gone through the main terminal. The Royal Gazette understands now it is done every time.

And Mr. Scott said the practice of driving with outriders was “not something we ever did.”

He added: “In many cases I studiously worked to avoid over-emphasising the transport of the Premier for quite sometime. I even drove myself. Then it became practical, in part for security reasons, to be driven so I gave in.”

He said GP1 was equipped with flashing lights for emergency purposes to clear the road but again he had never used them. He said one driver abused it while driving alone and was carpeted for doing so. Asked about the more flamboyant mode of travel of his successor Mr. Scott said: “I don’t think it is going to go over very well. I can understand it if there is a need to move the Premier quickly.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Pat Gordon-Pamplin said the recent road display on South Shore was ironic given the Premier had just explained a need to implement a new vehicle policy.

“While it is important to address the number of cars on the road in the name of manageability and sustainability, it appears the other reason to reduce the numbers is to allow the presidential motorcade to have a wide berth while it races down the highways and byways behind the flashing strobe lights, and with the attendant outriders in tow.

“While financially strapped families are having difficulty finding money to purchase a new vehicle, and the ability to purchase a second-hand vehicle will be taken away, hopefully, the speeding motorcade will be sympathetic and stop to offer a ride, as there will be ample seats.

“At least, some pedestrians might be able to be on time for medical appointments at the doctor of their choice - the doctor is on board!

“What on earth is the Premier thinking? But what does it matter if the electorate is prepared to accept it?”

Make way ... someone very important is approaching