The DA on Monday welcomed reports that the SA Police Service has issued a directive clarifying the use of emergency lights on vehicles operated by the controversial VIP Protection Unit.

"The move is timely, but it is essential that regulations are actually enforced, and that a tough new code of conduct is brought in to ensure that officers are held to the highest standards," Dianne Kohler-Barnard said in a statement.

She urged the public to report any unruly behaviour by these units to the Independent Complaints Directorate or to submit them to the DA at whistleblower@da.org.za, and they would be forwarded to the ICD.

"In recent months, the public has quite rightly expressed outrage over various unacceptable incidents involving VIP unit officers," she said.

The party reiterated its call for a proper code of conduct which would set out in fine detail what officers could and could not do and the kind of sanctions they would face should they not meet guidelines.

The Independent on Sunday reported that police vehicles could only use their blue lights under certain conditions, including medical emergencies, situations deemed to be dangerous and when a VIP's vehicle had been swamped by large crowds.

Sapa