Most people know they need to get out of the way of emergency vehicles but there is a key mistake many make that could lead to three points on the licence and a £1,000 fine
Motorists have been warned not to make a simple mistake when spotting an emergency vehicle coming up in the distance. Most people know they need to make the way clear for ambulances, police or fire engines when they see them in their rear view mirror but there are times it isn’t as easy as it seems.
If you are already sitting at a red traffic light and there is nowhere available to pull to the side, it can leave drivers in a quandary of whether to stay put or cross the line to allow it to get through. The South East Coast Ambulance Service has advice for people living across the UK – and it says one mistake could leave you with a fine and penalty points on your licence.
It explained on its website: “The South East Coast of England that we serve is an extremely busy part of the country with the main M20 corridor transporting goods and people from the Ports and Channel Tunnel up to London and beyond. With Ambulance, Fire and Police vehicles on the roads responding to emergencies day and night there is a very good chance that you’ll see a blue light vehicle on our roads every time you travel in your car.
“There is some advice in the Highway Code about what to do when you see an emergency vehicle, but many drivers panic when they hear a siren or see blue lights coming and then make poor choices which can delay the response to those in need.” It went on to share advice from the Blue Light Aware Campaign which aims to help motorists understand the best way to react in the situation which will allow emergency vehicles can pass you easily and without delay.
What should I do when there is an emergency vehicle behind me?
It said: “You should take action to let the emergency vehicle pass, but you must do so safely and legally. If you jump a red light to make space or enter a bus lane or a yellow box junction, you’ll be breaking the law and could be prosecuted.
“The best thing to do, if you can and the space allows, is to move to the side of the road and come to a controlled stop. This should be done without putting any other road users or pedestrians at risk or committing any motoring offences.”
Should I stop where I am?
It advised: “This is rarely the best course of action, because emergency vehicles will then have to weave around you. You should try to manoeuvre towards the side of the road and then slow down to a stop.
“The exception is when there is a bus lane. Leave this clear for the emergency vehicle to use.”
Am I legally obliged to move over for emergency vehicles?
Under the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 it is an offence to obstruct or hinder emergency services vehicles. The Ambulance Service added: “However, that doesn’t mean you should commit a driving offence to do so.
“The Highway Code states that you should ‘consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs’. In other words, while you should look to let the emergency vehicle pass, you shouldn’t if the only way to do so is by breaking the law.”
What does the Highway Code say?
Rule 219 of the Highway Code, which deals with emergency and incident support vehicles, sets out the offiial rules. It states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.
“When one approaches, do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road.
“Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.”
What is the penalty for jumping a red light
The RAC explained: “It is an offence to pass the white stop line when the traffic light has turned red or amber. If prosecuted, you will face three penalty points and a fine for failing to stop at a red light.
“A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, asking them to name the offending driver within 28 days. In most cases, the notice will ask for an admission of guilt and order the payment of a fixed penalty fine in place of taking the case to court.”
It said, while you have the right to appeal a penalty notice if you feel you had mitigating circumstances for running a red light the reality is there are “very few”. It said: “As a ‘strict liability’ offence, you won’t get away with simply insisting you ‘didn’t intend’ to run the light, if photographic evidence proves you did. The only circumstances which may offer a defence include:
- Proving you did not go through the red light
- Proving there was a defect with the light or related signage
Further, special reasons may also be considered by a court and lead to a re-assessment of your punishment. However, it is unlikely you will be let off for allowing an emergency vehicle to pass.
It added: “Road laws still apply in the event of encountering an emergency vehicle and you will still need to comply with relevant UK road signs. Examples that could see you be hit with a heavy fine include: entering a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction or driving through a red traffic light.
“As CCTV cameras are increasingly being used to fine motorists for offences such as these – especially in city centres – getting out of the way for an ambulance, police car or fire engine may not exempt you from paying fines. As an example, you could be hit with a fixed penalty notice for £100 and three penalty points on your licence for jumping a red light – even if it’s at low speed to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle.”
It added: “Three penalty points will usually be imposed on your driving licence if you have failed to comply with a red traffic light signal. However, if the police deem the matter to be particularly serious or dangerous, you may be required to go to court.” A court appearance could result in a stiffer penalty including a fine of up to £1,000.
