red traffic lights and emergency vehicle

alwaysonthego_2

I just wanted to clarify a point. I was waiting at a red light waiting for it to go green when a ambulance with flashing blue lights came behind me but did not have enough room to pass as the road is too narrow. I was thinking should I go through the red lights, but I decided to wait until the lights changed from red to green and then moved over so it could pass me. My friend who was in the car said I should have gone through the red lights, but wouldn't that be more of a danger and be against the law?

harveybobbles

The vital seconds that you were fannying around could be vital for the person the 999'r was responding too. The clue is in the words on the ve-hickle...

"Emergency Ambulance"

Yes you're right in thinking that it could be dangerous if you went thru the red light. But if the ambulance driver had the siren on then people in/on/around the junction will be aware if it and slow down/stop even if their lights were green.

DCodd

Technically and legaly you are correct. Any emergency vehicle with flashing blue lights and sirens going can only treat a red light as a give way sign. as you were infront of them they have to wait till it is legal for you to cross the red light, unless you were instructed to do so by a police officer.

However most people would cross the red light, if it was safe, to avoid holding up an emergency vehicle. A real dilema and one best left to the individual to make a safe assesment IMHO.

jago25_98

I think this is one of those situations where law says one thing and social says another. All those people who pull over onto the pavement to let an ambulance by are probably breaking a law too. I think it's just one of those things that gets a blind eye turned to it. Which is somewhat imperfect

anewman

Yeah there was a case where a guy was fined for going through a red light to let an ambulance through. Convinced he was in the right he took it to court but failed to convince the court and was given whatever punishment.

Must admit I have seen the police "bully" people at red lights by getting right up behind them and putting the siren on.

Lemonade_Pockets

Legally you have no more right to go through a red light when a ambulance is behind you at any other time. If you choose to do so, you do at your own risk and should a jobsworth copper be watching they can nick you for it.

I personally always get out of the way if it is safe regardless of the law. But thats my gamble and my decision, not the ambulance drivers.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

You are not allowed to cross the STOP line when faced with a red light, unless directed to do so by a police officer.

You did the correct thing. Stay where you are. It is the responsibility of the driver of the emergency vehicle to get past you. If you had crossed the STOP line you would have been committing an offence, and subject to points on your licence and a fine.

It is a sad state of affairs but the courts will show no leniency in this matter. If that is their policy, then I have no moral problems with safeguarding my livelihood by staying where I am.

anewman

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

You are not allowed to cross the STOP line when faced with a red light, unless directed by a police officer.

Would being flashed and given a siren blast by a police car be considered sufficient as being "directed by a police officer"?

And in that case why should we behave any differently if an Ambulance does the same?

mikey72

I've seen most ambulances go round the cars in front, and cross the red light on the wrong side, so the question wouldn't arise, as no one ever knows what to do when it comes up.

alwaysonthego_2

I am a fairly new driver so was unsure what I should do. Thanks for your response so far.

goldspanners

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

You are not allowed to cross the STOP line when faced with a red light, unless directed to do so by a police officer.

You did the correct thing. Stay where you are. It is the responsibility of the driver of the emergency vehicle to get past you. If you had crossed the STOP line you would have been committing an offence, and subject to points on your licence and a fine.

It is a sad state of affairs but the courts will show no leniency in this matter. If that is their policy, then I have no moral problems with safeguarding my livelihood by staying where I am.

i whole heartedly agree with this, it happened to me one evening,quiet road waiting at traffic lights,next thing i know a police car is behind me waiting for me to move,there was no space for him to pass, he got out his car and waved me to go through the lights,which i then did. if it was an ambulance i would only go through the red if i was sure there were no cameras watching the junction,be it traffic cameras or just regular cctv,these days you cant be too sure so i would probably either just,its me who gets the 3 points and the fine and the inconvenience of it all.