Peel Regional Police made the proposal to the provincial government after their study of the issue revealed blue lights are more readily visible to the naked eye at night.

Various government and policing associations supported the new protocol, while numerous jurisdictions, such as Peel and the OPP, have moved to blue lights.

As part of an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, blue lights can now be added to police vehicles for greater visibility on the road.

“It’s an officer-safety issue as well as an identity issue,” said Toronto Police Service Traffic Services Supt. Stephen Grant, of the addition of blue lights to patrol vehicles. “patrol cars will have greater visibility on the road and the red and blue lights will identify police vehicles rather than any other emergency service.”

The rollout will begin in the 2007 Crown Victorias on July 30. All other patrol cars will be outfitted as they come in for routine service every 5,000 kilometres, taking an estimated two months to complete.

All other vehicles needing blue lights will be replaced through the normal cycle of vehicle replacement to keep Service costs down.

Ontario is one of the last policing jurisdictions to adopt the blue lights, which are already seen throughout Canada, the United States and across Europe.

Midland Police has equipped a new cruiser with this new lighting configuration. Other cars will be changed over during the regular course of their maintenance or replacement.