Mount Isa Coaches owner Gary Murray labelled the officer “Sergeant Humbug” on social media and said the order put a dampener on the Christmas spirit for passengers on the bus, including children. 

Federal Member Bob Katter also criticised the police officer’s decision.

“I don’t complain about anything, I’m the easiest chap to get along with in the world,” Mr Murray said. 

“But it’s almost stupidity.”

He said the calvacade was escorted by another police vehicle. 

The lengthy line of cars were slowly travelling in Abel Smith Parade at around 8pm when the police car completed a U-Turn and cut into the line of vehicles for the reprimand, Mr Murray said. 

Mount Isa Police Station’s acting officer-in-charge Brad Inskip said it was illegal for cars to have flashing lights on them.

It was a safety issue. 

“It distracts drivers and other drivers...it’s reserved for emergency services and for road work.” 

Senior Sergeant Inskip said the officer was entitled to give the bus driver a fine in the circumstances, but chose to issue the driver a warning instead. 

Advertisements before the event warned for vehicles not to disobey the road rules, he said. 

Mr Murray said he understood “where they are coming from”, but that nobody could confuse the bus as an emergency vehicle while travelling 10 kilometres an hour in the calvacade. 

The bus was transporting guests free of charge as a “community service” for those that had no vehicles, he said. 

After the event Mr Murray complained about the officer on the New Mount Isa Vent Page on Facebook, then later at his “arrogance”.

“I wouldn’t have said a word if they asked nicely,” he said. 

Although many commentators on social media criticised the police officer’s actions, local Kim Mealing said; “it was put in the advertisement for the cavalcade that there was to be no flashing lights. 

“Yes, I know it’s in the spirit of Christmas but it’s not all that to be shocked about...cavalcade is on open roads and must therefore follow road rules.”